To solve the grievances of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in the Indian State of Punjab, more than 100 Saanjh Kendras (service centres) of the Punjab Police have been directed to entertain complaints.
Now, NRIs can lodge their complaints at all these service centres spread across Punjab or make their complaints online on the Saanjh Kendra web portal.
In addition to this, there are 15 police stations which have been set up specifically for complaints by NRIs.
A Saanjh Kendra is run by a police-public committee comprising of police officers, ex-officio members representing government departments such as health, education, women and child welfare at the district and sub divisional level and representatives from amongst principals of colleges, professionals, civil society and Non-Governmental Organisations. These Saanjh Kendras are at all police, district and commissionerate headquarters and at 114 sub-divisional levels in the whole State.
Every Saanjh Kendra in Punjab provides all services to be delivered by the Police Department as enshrined in the Right to Service Act within prescribed time limits to the people from a single window.
Saanjh Kendras are at all police district and commissionerate headquarters, and at 114 sub-divisional levels.
“Since inspectors are posted at district-level Saanjh Kendras, and sub-inspectors or assistant sub-inspectors are supervising the ones at sub-division level, it will be easy for NRIs to register their complaints and get justice,” said Ishwar Singh, Inspector General of Police (IGP), NRI affairs as quoted by Hindustan Times.
“From now on, NRIs can visit their nearest Saanjh Kendra with their complaint,” he added.
A prime reason for the decision is to save time for NRIs who are generally on a tight schedule when visiting.