Lodge human rights violations through WhatsApp helpline number 98554-75547 – Dr Shanty
Shanty, Chairman Human Rights Commission, visits Ferozepur; reviews human rights protection measures
Ferozepur, March 14, 2026: Member of the Punjab State and Union Territory Chandigarh Human Rights Commission, Padma Shri Dr Jatinder Singh Shanty, visited Ferozepur and held a special meeting with civil and police officials, representatives of NGOs, sarpanches and social workers at the District Administrative Complex.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Shanty said that the Punjab Human Rights Commission remains committed and continuously active in safeguarding human rights. As part of its awareness campaign, the commission is interacting with NGOs, senior citizens, lawyers, doctors, students, traders and community leaders across districts to educate them about human rights and their protection.
He informed that new advisories have been issued to strengthen the protection of human rights. According to the advisory, no hospital can detain a patient or a deceased body due to unpaid medical bills. If such incidents occur, an FIR will be registered, and strict action will be taken. He also stressed that every hospital must have essential facilities such as a mortuary and ambulance services. Contractors employing sanitation workers must ensure safety equipment and insurance coverage for them. Free cremation facilities will also be ensured for destitute persons.
Dr Shanty further announced that the commission will form a 15-member district-level core group in every district of Punjab to monitor human rights violations and assist the administration in resolving minor complaints locally. These groups will include human rights activists, lawyers and other experts, and will particularly help people who are unable to approach the commission in Chandigarh.
He also shared that complaints related to human rights violations can be lodged through the WhatsApp helpline number 98554-75547, which will remain active round the clock.
Speaking about health-related human rights, Dr Shanti clarified that hospitals cannot refuse to hand over the body of a deceased patient due to pending bills, as it is against the guidelines of the National Human Rights Commission. Hospitals should instead obtain a declaration from the family before releasing the body. He also directed that hospitals must clearly display treatment charges.
Earlier, Dr Shanty visited the Civil Hospital Ferozepur to review healthcare facilities and directed authorities to ensure cleanliness, proper medical services and humane treatment for patients. He also inspected a police station and directed officials to ensure basic amenities, including the construction of separate toilets for women.
During the meeting, he interacted with NGOs and sarpanches and appreciated their role in social service and their efforts in helping people during floods and other natural disasters.
Among those present were ADC(D), Krishna Pal Rajput, SDM Ferozepur Abhishek Sharma, SDM Zira Arvinder Pal Singh, SDM Guru Har Sahai Beant Singh Sidhu, SP Manjit Singh, RTA Tushita Gulati, sarpanches from six blocks, NGO representatives and other prominent citizens.