PUNJAB: Old sewerage systems to be replaced in jails

Chandigarh, October 31, 2012: Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Tourism, Cultural Affairs and Jail Minister Punjab said that on the recommendations of Prison Reforms committee, an amount of Rs. 3.50 crore has been sanctioned for replacing old Sewerage system in Central Jail, Amritsar, Patiala and Ludhiana and Rs. 1.20 Crore for renovation and repair of buildings of other Jails of Punjab. The construction Agency, Punjab Police Housing Corporation has already completed 80% of the work.  The upgradation of Sub Jail Barnala as District Jail was also under consideration, said Phillaur.   

The Punjab government in collaboration with Rotary International would set up a clinical laboratory for blood test etc. of prisoners in the Central jail, Amritsar. A Psychiatrist for running the De-addiction Centre in Jail would also be provided.  Modalities have already been worked out in a meeting held between the Governor, Rotary International, Upkar Singh Sethi and the IG Prisons. In this meeting he has ensured that funds would be provided for establishing a laboratory, hardware for Computerization of the entire laboratory and counselors, if required for the de-addiction centre within the jail premises, would also be provided by Rotary International, said the Minister.

In an effort to bring about radical changes in the mindset of the Punjab jails inmates, the Minister said that Art of Living Courses and Yoga Camps would be organized in Jails and Vocational Training trades would also going to be started in Women Jail, Ludhiana together with SAMPARN,  a Punjab based N.G.O. Similarly, a Cretch and Nursery for lady prisoners and children would be opened in Central Jail, Patiala with the aid of NGO “Sarbat da Bhala”.

Referring to the installation of video conferencing units, the Minister said that in the first phase, installation of video conferencing in 10 Jails and 32 courts has been completed and according to BSNL, the installation of video conference in 15 jails and 24 courts in second phase is likely to be completed within a week. Adding further, the Minister said urged the Government of India to release the required amount of Rs 1.88 crore at the earliest so that the upgrading of the video conferencing as installed in first phase could be completed.

The minister has also directed the officers of the department for early disposal of the pending list of 141 cases of premature release of the  prisoners. Regarding premature release cases of Prisoners, a weekly meeting would be held with Principal Secretary, Home Affairs, said Phillaur.