Chandigarh May 22: The Punjab government would intensify its efforts to check the smuggling of drugs and cell phones reportedly used by the prisoners in the jails. The activities of the staff posted in the jails and the under trial would also be closely monitored. There are about 19000 prisoners in the jails of Punjab. To curb the growing habit of drug addiction amongst the jail inmates; the state government had already taken a decision to set up well equipped drug de-addiction centers in all the central jails
This was stated here today by Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Jail Minister Punjab in a state level meeting of the Jail officers. Addressing the officers, the Minister said that modalities have already been worked out to engage the prisoners in some sustainable and economically viable projects within the premises of Jails through the participation of local industry so that they could become a part of the mainstream after their release. A few Industrial houses have been approached by the department, said the Minister.
On security issues, the Minister said that Jammers in high security jails of Nabha and Sangrur would be installed mainly to check the use of cell phones. Videoconferencing facility to simplify the cumbersome process of appearance of under trials in the courts would also be extended. To discourage prisoners from drug addiction, the government has initiated "Prisoners’ Olympics" to promote physical fitness among jail inmates through sports. The first "Prisoners’ Olympics" was held in Patiala recently and the next would be held in February 2013 at Ludhiana, said the Minister.
Mr. D. S. Bains, Principal Secretary, Home, Mr. Jagjit Singh IG Prisons were also present in the meeting.
