In a significant step towards empowering citizens and safeguarding their rights, the Member of the Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC), Jatinder Singh Shunty on Tuesday announced the establishment of dedicated core groups across all districts of Punjab. Speaking while presiding over an Open Public Debate titled 'Know Your Human Rights – Protect Your Rights in Ludhiana’ being organised by Sikh Welfare Council, Ludhiana, Shunty, accompanied by MLA Kulwant Singh Sidhu, Senior AAP leader and Media Incharge AAP Baltej Pannu, stated that these core groups will comprise 10 members each, including human rights activists, lawyers, and other experts.
The groups will work at the grassroots level to facilitate citizens in addressing human rights violations and escalate issues directly to the Commission for prompt action. This initiative will bring the Commission closer to the people, ensuring swift intervention and protection of fundamental rights in every corner of the state," Shunty emphasized.
He also added that Punjab State and Chandigarh Human Rights Commission has issued comprehensive guidelines directing all government and private hospitals to maintain adequate mortuary facilities and dedicated hearse van services. The Commission has strictly prohibited hospitals from withholding dead bodies under any circumstances, including due to unpaid bills, terming such practices a grave violation of human dignity and medical ethics.
The hospitals have also been mandated to ensure dignified handling of deceased persons, particularly unclaimed or economically vulnerable cases, with provisions for free or assisted cremation/burial support. Meanwhile, Baltej Pannu stated that the Punjab Government is gearing up to roll out a cashless health insurance scheme, providing coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh per family to every Punjabi.
This ambitious initiative aims to ensure accessible and quality healthcare for all Punjabis without financial burden. He also spoke about revolutionary steps taken out by Punjab government in education and health sectors.
Sikh Welfare Council Head Baljinder Singh Jindu, Daljit Singh Takkar, Amritpal Singh, Baljit Kaur, Jotjeet Singh Sabharwal and others were also present.