A landmark correctional reform initiative is set to transform Punjab's prison system, aiming to turn jails into hubs of rehabilitation and skill development. The Punjab and Haryana High Court, in partnership with the state's Department of Prisons and the Department of Technical Education and Industrial Training, will launch the program titled 'Empowering Lives Behind Bars: Real Change – The New Paradigm of Correctional Justice' on December 6 at the Central Jail in Patiala.
A High-Profile Launch for a Transformative Vision
The program will be formally inaugurated by none other than the Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant. The event will witness the presence of Supreme Court judges, High Court judges, and senior officials from the Punjab government. This high-level participation underscores the national significance attached to this reformative model.
The core objective is to shift the focus of incarceration from mere containment to constructive rehabilitation. The initiative plans to provide nationally certified vocational training to 2,500 inmates across all 24 jails in Punjab, with the operational support of the Punjab Skill Development Mission.
Building Skills for a New Future
To achieve this, a robust educational infrastructure will be established within the prison walls. Authorities will set up 11 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) inside the jails. These ITIs will offer long-term courses certified by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) in various trades, including:
- Welding
- Electrician work
- Plumbing
- Sewing Technology
- Cosmetology
- COPA (Computer Operator and Programming Assistant)
- Bakery
In addition, short-term courses aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) will be available. These will cover skills like tailoring, jute and bag making, mushroom cultivation, computer hardware, and more. The training will adhere to strict national standards, delivered by certified faculty in modern workshops. To support participation, inmates will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 1,000 and earn valuable NCVET/NSQF certification upon completion.
Ensuring Successful Reintegration into Society
The reform program recognizes that training inside prison must be linked to opportunities outside. A strong post-release framework has been designed to ensure continuity. This includes facilitating further education at government ITIs, providing placement support through the Directorate of Bureau of Employment Enterprises (DBEE), and guiding released inmates to access MSME schemes. Counselling services and the issuance of good conduct certificates will also be part of the support system.
Hands-on learning will be amplified through existing jail factories specializing in carpentry, tailoring, welding, bakery, and fabrication. Complementary reforms already underway in Punjab's jails include operational petrol pumps in nine facilities, sports and yoga programs, the Prison Inmate Calling System (PICS), Radio Ujala, and platforms for creative expression.
Statewide Anti-Drug Campaign Launch
On the same day, the Punjab State Legal Services Authority will initiate a month-long, statewide anti-drug awareness drive named 'Youth Against Drugs'. This campaign, also to be inaugurated by the Chief Justice of India, will run from December 6, 2024, to January 6, 2026. It aims to mobilize communities and institutions to combat drug abuse through widespread awareness, legal education, and rehabilitation outreach, creating a holistic approach to social reform.
This comprehensive initiative marks a significant step towards a more humane and effective justice system, where correctional facilities actively contribute to reducing recidivism by empowering individuals with skills, dignity, and a tangible path to a better life after release.
