Punjab Government Launches Major Prison Infrastructure Upgrade Amid Rising Inmate Population
Chandigarh: In response to the growing inmate population and rising concerns over jail security and overcrowding, the Punjab government has initiated a comprehensive prison infrastructure project. The plan includes the construction of new double-story barracks in four key prisons and enhanced security systems in nine others, aimed at resolving management challenges and ensuring safer and more humane conditions for inmates.
The new project has been announced at a time when Punjab’s jails are housing over 30,000 prisoners across 27 facilities, significantly exceeding their capacity. The situation has intensified due to the state’s ongoing war against drug abuse, which has resulted in a sharp rise in arrests and imprisonments.
🏗️ What the Project Involves
According to official sources, Phase 1 of the project will see the construction of new double-story barracks in the prisons of Ropar, New Nabha, Mansa, and Sangrur. Meanwhile, enhanced security features will be added in Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Amritsar, Goindwal Sahib, Bathinda, Ferozepur, Faridkot, Muktsar Sahib, and again Mansa, covering a total of 13 prison facilities across the state.
Security upgrades will include the installation of:
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Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled surveillance cameras
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Barbed-wire perimeter fencing
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Modern lock systems and emergency alarm setups
The Punjab Police Department will act as the nodal agency overseeing the project, while execution will be handed over to a private implementing agency. The government aims to complete the project within 3 to 18 months depending on the phase and scale of each prison upgrade.
📉 The Purpose Behind the Expansion
The overcrowding of prisons has not only posed logistical challenges but also led to frequent reports of unrest, gang violence, and substance abuse inside jail premises. By constructing modern barracks and implementing advanced surveillance technologies, the government hopes to address six major areas of concern:
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Space Management: More structured accommodation will reduce overcrowding and potential for inmate violence.
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Improved Living Conditions: The barracks will include basic human facilities, ensuring dignity and cleanliness.
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Advanced Surveillance: CCTV, emergency alarms, and lock systems will ensure tighter monitoring and quicker response.
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Rehabilitation Focus: Provisions for classrooms, libraries, and workshops will promote skill development and education.
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Ease of Management: Reduced congestion will assist jail staff in smoother operations and better control.
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Human Rights Compliance: As per Supreme Court directives, inmates are entitled to live with dignity. This project is a step in that direction.
🧠 High Court and Human Rights Pressure
The move comes just a day after the suspension of 25 police personnel posted in various Punjab prisons over charges of corruption. The Punjab & Haryana High Court has also expressed serious concerns regarding jail conditions, pushing the government to take decisive action.
In 2023, a report by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) revealed that 42% of prisoners in Punjab jails were drug addicts, underscoring the magnitude of the drug menace and the urgent need for rehabilitation and decongestion measures.
🔢 Statistics and Impacts
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Total Prisons in Punjab: 27
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Current Inmate Population: 30,000+
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Primary Cause of Inmate Surge: Drug-related arrests
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Prisons Targeted for Barracks: 4
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Prisons Targeted for Security Upgrades: 9
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Implementation Timeline: 3 to 18 months
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Supervising Body: Punjab Police (Nodal Agency)
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Execution Agency: Private contractor
🌐 A Model for Modern Correctional Infrastructure
The initiative is expected to become a model project for other states grappling with similar issues. With proper implementation, Punjab’s plan could improve not only the physical infrastructure of its correctional institutions but also contribute to reduced recidivism, improved inmate rehabilitation, and better prison staff safety.
