In order to ensure the security of the jails and also to check the number of visitors visiting the jails in Punjab, Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Jail Minister Punjab has directed the officers of the department to expedite the process of introducing the smart card system in all the jails at the earliest. Identity cards would also be issued to the visitors in order to keep a check on the number of visitors. He has asked the jail authorities to sternly stick to the visiting hours while allowing the meeting.
Addressing a high level meeting of the officers of the department here today, Mr. Phillaur said that the safety of the Jail staff would be among the top priorities of the government. The jail department would install CCTV cameras, mobile jammers and other security equipment to ensure proper security in the upcoming jails. He also said that modalities are being worked out to ban two-storied construction up to 100 feet from the outer walls of these new jails. With a view to generating a cordial atmosphere between the prisoners and the jail administration, the Minister said that the department would re-introduce the Nambardar system in all the jails of the state.
Referring to the quality of food being served in the jails, the Minister saidJail department would review the diet norms system in consultation with the dieticians of reputed institutions. A committee comprising IG (Jails), representatives of Central jails and Sub-jails besides a dietician from PGI Chandigarh has also been constituted which would submit its report shortly recommending appropriate healthy food for jail inmates. He also asked the Superintendents of jails to work out the modalities to run two kitchens in each central jail with the computerized new system. He further asked the Jaildepartment to introduce Credit Card System for inmates in all the 8 central jailsto buy items from the jail canteens.
The Minster also said that entire record of prisoner maintained in Punjab jails would be computerized on the patterns of Tihar Jail. Necessary steps are being taken up in this regard. The computerized records would contain finger print of all prisoners, Date of release, Remissions, Parole, Good Conduct, etc, said Mr. Phillaur.