Mohali: Punjab Police‘s Saanjh Rahat Kendras have emerged as a significant community policing initiative, helping more than 1,000 women in distress over the past two years through counselling, legal assistance, crisis intervention and rehabilitation, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, an IPS officer of 1992 batch, said on Thursday.
Initially launched in Mohali with just two trained counsellors, the initiative has now expanded to four districts, providing integrated support services to women facing domestic violence, abuse and other forms of distress.
Expanded to Four Districts
The Saanjh Rahat Kendra project, which began at the Civil Hospital in SAS Nagar (Mohali), now operates in:
- SAS Nagar (Mohali)
- Ludhiana
- Fatehgarh Sahib
- Jalandhar
According to the DGP, the expansion reflects Punjab Police’s commitment to strengthening community policing while ensuring timely support for vulnerable women.
Over 1,000 Women Assisted
Sharing the programme’s achievements, DGP Gaurav Yadav said the Saanjh Rahat Kendras have handled a substantial number of cases since their launch.
During the past two years:
- 1,069 cases were registered.
- 1,656 women were screened for assistance and intervention.
The centres provide a comprehensive support system, including counselling, legal aid, police assistance, temporary shelter and rehabilitation, ensuring that women receive immediate and coordinated help during crises.
The DGP said the initiative enables early intervention in cases of domestic violence and abuse, preventing escalation while facilitating access to justice and social support.
Real-Life Cases Highlight Programme’s Impact
Highlighting the effectiveness of the initiative, DGP Gaurav Yadav shared instances where timely intervention by the Saanjh Rahat Kendras transformed the lives of women facing severe hardships.
In one case, a woman approached the Mohali Saanjh Rahat Kendra after allegedly being assaulted and threatened by her husband. The police team ensured her immediate safety, arranged secure transportation, escorted her to her parental home and initiated legal proceedings against the accused.
In another case, a pregnant woman who had been abandoned by her husband and family was admitted to hospital in critical condition. The Saanjh Rahat Kendra facilitated her treatment at PGIMER Chandigarh, where she remained under medical care for nearly two months.
Even after she suffered a miscarriage, counsellors continued to provide emotional support. Following her recovery, the team helped her secure employment and worked towards reconnecting her with her family, demonstrating the initiative’s focus on long-term rehabilitation alongside immediate crisis response.
Wider Focus on Women and Child Safety
Apart from the Saanjh Rahat Kendras, Punjab Police has implemented several programmes aimed at promoting women’s safety and child protection across the state.
Under the Jagriti Programme, Punjab Police Mahila Mittars have conducted extensive awareness campaigns in schools.
Over the past two years:
- 12,482 schools were covered.
- 11,75,010 children in the 6–12 age group were sensitised.
- 76,299 principals, teachers and school staff members participated in awareness sessions.
The programme focuses on educating children and educators about safety, protection and responsible behaviour.
Women Help Desks Conduct Massive Outreach
Punjab Police’s Women Help Desks have also played a key role in public awareness and prevention.
Over the last five years, the initiative has organised 69,329 outreach programmes covering issues such as:
- Cybercrime
- Domestic violence
- Child sexual abuse
- Child marriage
- Juvenile justice
- Drug abuse
- Gender sensitisation
Officials said these awareness campaigns have helped improve public understanding of women’s rights, child protection laws and available support mechanisms.
SAANJH Strengthening Community Policing
Speaking on the initiative, Special Director General of Police Gurpreet Kaur Deo said the SAANJH ecosystem, launched in 2011, has significantly strengthened the relationship between Punjab Police and local communities.
She said initiatives such as Yuva Saanjh, the Jagriti Programme and the Student Police Cadet Scheme have promoted greater public participation in policing.
According to her, the extensive network of Saanjh Committees across Punjab has become an important pillar of community policing, while the Saanjh Rahat Kendras have filled a critical gap by providing integrated counselling, legal support and police assistance to women facing violence and distress.
Community Policing with a Human-Centred Approach
Punjab Police officials said the success of the Saanjh Rahat Kendras demonstrates the importance of combining policing with counselling, legal aid and rehabilitation services.
By offering holistic support rather than merely registering complaints, the initiative aims to empower women, reduce repeat incidents of violence and strengthen trust between citizens and the police, reinforcing Punjab Police’s broader commitment to community-oriented policing.
