Punjab Jails Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, on Friday, highlighted the significant strides being made by the Prisons Department in fortifying security measures and improving prisoner rehabilitation during 2024.
"Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government is establishing a Rs.100 crore high-security jail near Ludhiana, spanning over 50 acres. Once completed, this facility will accommodate 300 high-risk prisoners," said S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, reiterating the government's commitment to strengthening prison infrastructure.
Giving further details, the Cabinet Minister informed that the department has prioritized technology integration, with AI-based CCTV surveillance being implemented in eight central jails to detect contraband throws, wall scaling and unauthorized mobile usage.
This system will be extended to six more jails. Similarly, the V-Kavach jammers are in the process of being installed across 12 sensitive jails, building upon the successful implementation at Central Jail Bathinda, which also received an additional CRPF company for enhanced security.
To modernize communication while preventing illegal mobile usage, the Jails Minister said, more than 750 inmate calling systems are being installated. The department is in the process of equipping all 13 sensitive jails with X-ray baggage scanners and installing CCTV coverage in high-security zones where high risk prisoners are lodged.
The newly established Research, Analysis and Intelligence Wing, operational since October 2023, has strengthened internal security through intelligence-based operations and behavioral analysis of inmates, he added.
On the rehabilitation front, S. Laljit Singh Bhullar noted that 2200 inmates are pursuing educational courses under the "Sikhya Daat Project", while 513 prisoners are being enrolled in various skill development programs including electrical work, plumbing and tailoring, scheduled to commence this December.
He said that the department has also expanded its commercial initiatives by establishing two new petrol pumps at Nabha and Fazilka, bringing the total to eight operational units. Addressing staffing needs, the Cabinet Minister mentioned that 738 warders and 25 matrons have joined recently, with recruitment ongoing for 179 additional guarding staff positions.
The government has approved the revival of 1220 posts across various cadres, with recruitment to begin shortly, he added. The Jails Minister informed that for psychological support, three counselors have been appointed under the Punjab Prisons Development Board to assist both inmates and staff.