Key takeaways
- Punjab is enhancing jail security with AI-enabled CCTV systems in 18 facilities.
- Live wire fencing and a new prison intelligence wing have been approved for improved safety.
- A legislation for the 'Punjab Prison Development Board' is being introduced to oversee prison reforms.
- The Chief Minister has urged for a comprehensive plan to restructure jails within a month.
- Video conferencing systems will be installed to reduce costs associated with transporting undertrials.
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has approved a series of measures to make jails more secure. This includes an AI-enabled CCTV system in 18 jails, covering nine central jails, seven district jails and two special jails.
Singh also authorized a live wire fencing along the outer walls, a separate prison intelligence wing and a legislation to establish the 'Punjab Prison Development Board' in the ongoing Budget session.
Chairing a high-level meeting to review the functioning of the Prisons Department, Singh directed Jails Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa to ensure that best practices are followed. He also asked the department to submit a comprehensive plan for restructuring the jails within four weeks.
As stated in an official release, the Chief Minister also asked ADGP (Jails) Praveen Kumar Sinha to prepare a plan for restructuring, realigning and launching of new schemes encompassing correctional measures for reformation of prisoners.
With the objective of cutting expenses involved in presenting undertrials in courts - an amount which can go up to Rs 50 lakh a day - Singh also approved the department's proposal to install video conferencing system in all jails.
He also approved the construction of a double-barbed wire inner boundary wall and three additional watchtowers at the Central Jail Ludhiana to beef up the security.
