Swarna Ram was addressing a sate-level function organised to observe International Women Day at Guru Nanak Bhawan here today.

The Minister said that in case of such cases, the victim women could lodge a complaint with these Protection Officers or directly with concerned police stations/ District Magistrate.

Referring to the efforts for strengthening women empowerment, the Minister said that the government would mobilise social and voluntary organisations to create awareness among the people to eradicate offences against women and children in the society.

The Minister said that decline in the sex ratio in Punjab was a serious matter of concern, which if, continued unchecked could create a serious imbalance in the society.

He said that the government had also decided to exercise strict vigilance on the diagnostic scan centers and would not spare any culprit involving in this heinous crime at any cost.

Stressing upon the need for more representations to the women in the elected bodies, the Minister said that the Parliament should pass the bill to ensure 30% reservation in the House. The Minister also announced a grant of Rs 51,000 for the students of Punjabi University Patiala, who presented cultural progamme on the occasion.