Punjab to Establish Human Rights Offices in Every District, Says Shunty
May 30, 2026
ETT News / Ludhiana
The Punjab State and Chandigarh (UT) Human Rights Commission has decided to establish district-level offices of its Core Committee across Punjab, a move aimed at making human rights grievance redressal more accessible and eliminating the need for citizens to travel to Chandigarh to file complaints.
Announcing the initiative during a human rights awareness programme at Alamgir Market in Ludhiana on Friday, Commission Member and Padma Shri awardee Jitender Singh Shunty said the Commission has asked Deputy Commissioners across the state to provide space within District Administrative Complexes (DACs) for the new offices. He said Punjab would become the first state in the country to have a functional Human Rights Commission presence at the district level.
Shunty said the district offices would enable residents to submit complaints and seek assistance locally. He added that the Commission is working to make its services more transparent, accessible and people-centric while ensuring the timely disposal of cases.
The Commission has also introduced mechanisms for faster complaint handling. Citizens can submit complaints through WhatsApp on 9855475547 or through the Commission's website, and officials will initiate action within 48 hours of receiving a complaint, Shunty said.
Highlighting the Commission's priorities, he said special attention is being given to protecting the rights of women, children, senior citizens, labourers and other vulnerable groups. He urged people to report human rights violations and seek legal remedies whenever their rights are infringed.
Shunty also announced that the Commission would support the state's ongoing "Yudh Nashian Virudh" campaign by helping identify major drug traffickers and facilitating action against them. He said the Commission was expanding its role beyond grievance redressal to address issues that directly affect citizens' rights and welfare.
Addressing concerns over immigration fraud, Shunty said the Commission has launched a special drive against fake visa and immigration operators in Punjab. He revealed that the Commission has already received nearly 450 complaints related to immigration fraud, many involving substantial financial losses, and is examining the cases for appropriate action.
Urging citizens to remain vigilant, Shunty advised people not to stay silent when authorities ignore legitimate complaints. He said residents could dial 112 if government officials failed to respond to their grievances.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Jashanpreet Kaur Gill, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kuldeep Bawa, Human Rights Core Committee Member Deepak Singla and representatives of various social, legal and human rights organisations attended the programme.
Punjab Human Rights Commission Jitender Singh Shunty District Offices Human Rights Complaints Ludhiana DAC Offices Yudh Nashian Virudh Drug Traffickers Immigration Fraud Visa Scam Citizens Rights Chandigarh UT Human Rights Commission
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