AMN / Chandigarh/Ropar
National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has expressed concern over the growing number of women allegedly abandoned by Non-Resident Indian (NRI) spouses in Punjab, stating that nearly 32,000 such cases have been reported in the state over the years.
During review meetings with district administration and police officials in Ropar, Rahatkar described NRI marriage fraud as a serious and expanding social challenge that requires coordinated institutional response and quicker legal remedies. Referring to available records on affected women, she called for expediting investigations and ensuring timely intervention in pending cases.
She stressed the need for stronger coordination among administrative agencies, law enforcement authorities and legal institutions to improve support systems for women facing abandonment and prolonged legal uncertainty. She also directed officials to strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms and provide affected women with access to necessary legal and administrative assistance.
The NCW Chairperson reviewed broader issues related to women’s safety and welfare and emphasised the importance of preventive action alongside post-incident support.
Earlier in Chandigarh, Rahatkar met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to discuss emerging social concerns affecting women in the state. The discussions also focused on the increasing challenge of substance abuse among girls and women in Punjab and the need for targeted awareness, rehabilitation and community-based interventions.
The meeting underlined the importance of coordinated efforts between government agencies and social institutions to address both gender-related vulnerabilities and wider social issues affecting women across the state.