Chandigarh/Hoshiarpur: Dr. Ravjot Singh, Cabinet Minister for Parliamentary, NRI affairs and Jails, Punjab, today chaired a meeting of all Superintendents of Jails at the District Administrative Complex, Hoshiarpur.
The meeting was attended by Sh. Arun Pal Singh, IPS, ADGP Jails; Sh. Surinder Pal Singh Mand, IPS, DIG Jails (Ferozepur & Patiala Range); Sh. Sukhmander Singh Mann, IPS, DIG Jails (Amritsar Range); and Sh. Manmohan Kumar, DIG Headquarters, along with all Superintendents of Jails and officers of Prison Headquarters.
The meeting served as an introductory interaction with jail officers wherein the Minister was apprised of the overall functioning of the department and key initiatives undertaken to address critical challenges such as overcrowding and management of high-risk prisoners.
The Minister was also briefed regarding the proposed Punjab Prisons and Correctional Services Bill, and the Punjab Good Conduct Prisoners Bill, which is under active consideration of the Government of Punjab. Further, discussions were held on the proposal for Restructuring of the department, including the requirement of additional posts to strengthen the operational framework across all the jails in the State.
The Minister further listened to the Issues raised by Superintendents of Jails, including staff shortages and operational concerns such as the functioning of sewerage treatment plants, repair of toilets in jails and renovation work in residential complexes.
The Minister was apprised of ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects, including the construction of a High Security Jail at Ludhiana and the proposed Women Open Jail at Patiala. The Minister desired that work of both these projects be done expeditiously so that they can be made operational at the earliest.
In his address, Dr. Ravjot Singh encouraged officers to work with integrity, dedication, and without fear, emphasizing the need for strengthened efforts to curb illegal activities in prisons and to enhance correctional and rehabilitation measures for inmates.