IEP Chandigarh
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday inaugurated the newly constructed extension building of District Jail Bhiwani, where he made several significant announcements for the welfare of prisoners. During his address, the Chief Minister announced to start tele-medicine facility for prisoners in all jails in the state. Additionally, he allocated a budget of Rs 10 crore to improve the dietary provisions for prisoners, resulting in an increase of Rs 10 per day for their meals.
Highlighting the contribution of the Jail Department in generating revenue for the government, the Chief Minister said that petrol pumps would be set up outside 11 jails across the state. He also announced to provide facilities to Prison Department personnel in Haryana State Transport buses on the lines of police personnel. Apart from this, it was also announced to introduce the online transfer policy to enhance convenience for jail employees in couple cases.
In honour of Teacher’s Day, the Chief Minister announced an additional grant of Rs 1 crore for the benefit of the jail inmates. He urged jail staff to commit to treating prisoners with dignity and respect, emphasizing their role in the rehabilitation and development of individuals. He stressed that the transformation of a criminal into a responsible member of society is a challenging, jail staff should work as teachers and make an important contribution in improving the future of criminals.
Khattar underscored the government’s commitment to improving prison conditions, mentioning plans to expand capacity from accommodating 22,000 to 26,000 inmates. He highlighted ongoing jail construction projects, including the upcoming jails in Fatehabad and Rewari. Additionally, he informed about the construction of a jail training center in Karnal, set to be completed by December.
The Chief Minister said that people make mistakes, and when they reform and reintegrate into society, they contribute positively. He proposed that, akin to “Sewarth Jaiye, Shiksharth Aaiye” outside schools, a similar message, “Sajaarth Jaiye, Sudharth Aaiye” should be written in the jail. He urged jail staff to change their approach from hostility to empathy, fostering a caring environment for prisoners.
Khattar also mentioned the establishment of industry within state prisons, tapping into the hidden talents of inmates and providing them with honorariums for their work. Efforts were underway to determine appropriate remuneration rates. Apart from this, high security is being maintained in jails of the state.
Speaking about legislative changes, the Chief Minister mentioned that the Government of India was planning amendments to the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), and Evidence Act to deter individuals from engaging in criminal activities.
Haryana Jail Minister Ranjit Singh Chautala that the concept of prison started from England and currently Australian prisons are considered the best. He said that efforts are being made to provide better facilities in the jails of Haryana as well. He said that three-tier security arrangements are being made in Rohtak jail. He said that the citizens of the state are feeling cordial under the guidance of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, TVSN Prasad, emphasized the government’s focus on strengthening administrative and governance structures. He assured that efforts were being made to ensure the humane treatment of inmates in state prisons, including the construction of new facilities and expansion work. Additionally, provisions for snipers to combat narcotics were being explored.
Director General of Prisons, Mohammad Akil, detailed the construction of the new jail, spanning approximately 12 acres and costing Rs 29.98 crore. The expanded facility now has a capacity for 774 inmates, accommodating both male and female prisoners. The expansion included the construction of five barracks for male prisoners and one for female prisoners, with a capacity of 126 and 114, respectively. This expansion has increased the total capacity from 561 to 1335 prisoners in the old jail.
