The Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister CaptainAmarinder Singh on Thursday gave its nod to Punjab Prison Rules, 2021, underthe Prison Act 1894, thus superseding the archaic and outdated jails manual.
The cabinet noted that the provisions of the Punjab JailManual, 1996 had become archaic with the passage of time and there was imminentneed to update it in the changed scenario of modernization, prisoncomputerization, current technological and latest laws.
According to aspokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office, the Punjab Jail Manual 1996primarily focused more on safe and secure custody of prisoners. The newlydrafted Punjab Prison Rules 2021 lay emphasis not only on safe and securecustody of prisoners but also on other aspects, such as welfare, correctionsand aftercare, which have emerged as equally important in modern times.
In order to ensure effective surveillance, safe custody and prevention of escapes, new security parameters have been introduced in the new rules. Forlodging of High-Risk Prisoners such as gangsters, drug offenders, terrorists,radicals, etc., ‘prisons within prisons’ i.e. High-Security Enclosures/Zones have been created.The infrastructural requirements of these enclosures have been defined.These shall be equipped with wireless sets, alarm system, dedicatedpower back up, hand-held and doorframemetal detectors, video-conferencing facilities, closed circuit T.V. cameras,X-ray baggage machines, body scanners, and any other modern electronic securitydevices. A multi-tier security grid has also been placed for better monitoringon the High-Security Zones.
Adequate provisions for the creation of a welfare fund, mealfor employees during their shift, legal assistance, housing, medicare,financial assistance, the welfare of retired officers, etc. have been made to keepprison officers motivated. Promotional courses on the line of Punjab Policehave also been incorporated for fair and faster promotions.
For reducing recidivism, ensuring successfulrehabilitation and social reintegration of released convict prisoners, aframework for aftercare assistance has been incorporated in the new PrisonRules. This will cover many aspects, such as assistance inemployment/entrepreneurship, medical treatment, marriage, renting a house, etc.
Further, various other provisions incorporating use oftechnology for a more efficient and effective prison administration have beenadded to the new Prison Rules. The modern technology shall also assist in maintainingsecure custody of inmates. On the hardware side, provisions for use of modernsecurity equipment and surveillance gadgets have been made, includingArtificial Intelligence enabled CCTVs, motion sensors, mobile jammers,siren/alarm system, body scanners, X-ray baggage scanners, touch screen kiosksfor inmate details, etc. On the software side, provisions for deployment ofPrison Management Information System, trial through video conferencing,e-wallet, e-office, e-procurement, Integrated Criminal Justice System (ICJS),etc. have been made.
Similarly, provisions for an effective educationalprogram for the prisoners have been incorporated. Education of illiterateprisoners has been made compulsory. The scope of the educational programme hasbeen widened to include not only academic education but also moral, spiritual,cultural, and computer education.
In order to impart discipline, ensure productiveengagement of prisoners, gainful production in prison industries under PunjabPrison Development Board, and support for the after-care/rehabilitationprogramme of the department, a separate chapter has been dedicated tovocational training and skill development in inmates.
Given the fact that incarceration deeply impacts the mental well-being of an individual, provisions for better mental health carefacilities such as counselling facilities, psychotherapy, etc. have also beenmade. A separate chapter has been dedicated to the treatment and confinement ofa mentally-ill prisoner under the purview of Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.
While the Punjab Jail Manual 1996 seldom focused onrecreational facilities to prisoners for productive engagement and bettermental as well as physical health, prisons have now evolved into correctionalhomes where cultural and recreational activities such as sports, films, music,drama, art & craft, libraries, etc. have become an integral part of thereformation system.
A new provision for a Grievance Redressal System in everyprison, which will provide every inmate the legitimate opportunity to voicehis/her grievances, has been incorporated in the new rules. Under this system,compliant boxes shall be installed at different locations in the prison and apermanent committee will be constituted for this purpose under the officer incharge of prison, and it shall meet at least twice a week to dispose of thecomplaints.
A provision for electronic communication such as videoconferencing has been made so that the inmates can hold face to face interviewswith family/friends or legal counsel. At present, the inmates communicate withtheir family/friends either by using Prison Inmate Calling System (PICS) or bymeeting them face-to-face in the prison during mulakat on designated days.
The new rulesprovide for increased participation of prisoners in those aspects of prisonadministration/management that directly affect the provision of services to theprisoners. For example, a mess committee comprising of prisoners has beenconstituted which shall be responsible for hygiene, quality and quantity of thecooked food as well as its fair distribution. Similarly, provision for prisoners’ panchayat and mahapanchayat has beenmade which shall be responsible for planning and execution of dailyrecreational program.