District Administration's Crackdown on Unauthorized Centers Aims to Curb Fraudulent Activities & Ensure Public Safety in Bathinda

BATHINDA: In a Comprehensive drive to ensure compliance with the Punjab Government's guidelines, the district administration in Bathinda has conducted thorough inspections of immigration consultancy/IELTS/ticketing agents across the region. The joint teams comprising representatives from the revenue and police departments diligently carried out the checks under the vigilant eye of Deputy Commissioner Shaukat Ahmed Pare.

During the investigation, a staggering number of 90 centers were discovered to be operating without proper authorization within the district, raising serious concerns about potential fraudulent activities. Out of the 90 establishments, 74 centers were found to be operating unauthorized, while an additional 16 centers had clandestinely set up branches in Bathinda district without notifying the Deputy Commissioner's office.

Taking immediate action against the unauthorized centers, Deputy Commissioner Showkat Ahmad Parray directed the police to enforce The Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act 2012 and The Punjab Travel Professional Regulation Rules, 2014. As a consequence of these directives, FIRs have already been registered against 5 of the non-compliant centers, signaling a strong message that such illicit practices will not be tolerated.

Deputy Commissioner Showkat Ahmad Parray asserted that this stringent scrutiny will persist in the future as well, demonstrating the administration's unwavering commitment to upholding the law and ensuring transparency in the concerned sectors. By taking decisive action against unauthorized centers, the authorities aim to protect the interests of the public and deter fraudulent activities.

In light of this situation, Deputy Commissioner Parray urged the general public to be cautious and avail services solely from licensed and authorized travel agents. Doing so will not only safeguard individuals from potential fraud but also provide them with reliable and legitimate services.