Chandigarh, Dec 27: The Punjab government has invested Rs 126 crore in technology-driven security upgrades and rehabilitation initiatives to modernise prisons across the state in 2025, the Jails Department said in its year-end report released on Friday.
Punjab Jails Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar said the reforms aim to strengthen prison security while expanding vocational training, sports and rehabilitation programmes for inmates.
“Our core focus has been on ensuring prisoner safety while creating opportunities for inmates to rebuild their lives,” Bhullar said. “Punjab’s prisons are being transformed into reform-oriented institutions supported by modern technology.”
According to the report, AI-based CCTV systems, X-ray baggage scanners, body-worn cameras and other modern security equipment are being installed across jails, while high-energy jammers are being set up in 13 sensitive prisons to curb the use of mobile phones.
To augment infrastructure, Bhullar said a new high-security jail is being constructed at Gorsian Kadarbaksh in Ludhiana at a cost of Rs 100 crore, while construction of the Jail Bhawan headquarters is underway in Mohali.
The minister said additional security measures include the deployment of one company of the Central Reserve Police Force at Central Jail Bathinda.
On manpower strengthening, Bhullar said 815 warders and 32 matrons have already been recruited, with the recruitment of 175 warders and four matrons nearing completion. He added that hiring is also underway for deputy superintendents, assistant superintendents, warders and matrons, along with the induction of PESCO personnel.
Rehabilitation initiatives were expanded through sports, environmental and skill development programmes, Bhullar said. Punjab Prison Olympics were organised to promote physical fitness, while plantation drives converted several jail premises into green zones.
He said vocational training programmes have been launched through ITIs opened in 11 jails, offering courses in welding, electrical work, computer operations, beauty services and tailoring, with a target to certify over 1,000 inmates. In addition, inmates are operating nine petrol pumps across the state, with three more set to become operational.
“These initiatives reflect the Mann government’s commitment to humane, secure and reform-focused prisons,” Bhullar said.
