Prisons to move beyond punishment towards rehabilitation & dignity under new bill: Dr Ravjot Singh
Tech driven overhaul of jails with AI surveillance, biometrics & digital systems on cards: Dr Ravjot Singh
Bhagwant Mann Govt’s new prison law focuses on reintegration not just incarceration: Dr Ravjot Singh
CHANDIGARH, 2nd May 2026:
Bringing major reforms to the prison system, the AAP led Punjab Government has prepared the Punjab Prisons and Correctional Services Bill, 2026, which will provide a modern, technological, and humane direction to the existing prison administration in the state. The Bill will replace the outdated Prisons Act, 1894, which was primarily limited to custody and discipline and did not adequately address modern-day challenges.
Addressing a press conference, Punjab’s Minister for Jails, NRI Affairs, and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Ravjot Singh, stated that the new Bill focuses on transforming prisons from mere places of confinement into centres of reform, rehabilitation, and social reintegration. It introduces several provisions to safeguard inmates’ human rights, enhance transparency, accountability, and strengthen security mechanisms.
Highlighting the use of technology in prisons, the Cabinet Minister said, “The Bill ensures extensive use of modern technology in prisons, including e prison systems, digital record management, biometric identification, video conferencing, AI based CCTV surveillance, RFID tracking and anti drone systems, which will significantly improve transparency and efficiency in prison administration.”
Detailing security upgrades, he continued, “High security zones will be created for high risk inmates to prevent negative influence on other prisoners, and a dedicated Research, Analysis and Intelligence (RAI) wing will be established to strengthen internal prison security.”
“The Bill provides for scientific classification of inmates based on age, gender, criminal background, health and behaviour, with special arrangements for women, transgender persons, elderly and sick inmates, including separate accommodation, deployment of female staff and adequate facilities for pregnant women and children,” he added.
Pointing to healthcare and skill development provisions, Dr Ravjot Singh shared, “The Bill ensures medical facilities in every prison, regular health check ups, screening for diseases such as TB, HIV and substance abuse related conditions, along with de addiction centres and a strong emphasis on mental health care. Education and skill development have been given high priority, with access to education, library facilities and vocational training for inmates to help them reintegrate into society, while prison industries will generate employment opportunities and provide wages based on skills.”
He said, “Strict penalties have been incorporated for offences within prisons, and attempts to escape, threatening officials or smuggling prohibited items will be treated as serious offences and dealt with firmly. The Bill proposes the establishment of open and semi open prisons to facilitate gradual reintegration of eligible inmates into society, along with post release rehabilitation and aftercare services.”
Summing up the reform, Dr Ravjot Singh said, “The Punjab Prisons and Correctional Services Bill, 2026 represents a comprehensive reform initiative that balances security, technology and human rights, marking a strong step towards transforming prisons into modern correctional institutions.”
