Overview
- Punjab will begin a reform drive at Central Jail, Patiala that provides NCVT/NSQF-certified training to about 2,500 inmates across all 24 prisons, including 11 in-jail ITIs with trades such as welding, electrician work, plumbing, sewing, cosmetology, bakery, and COPA, with a Rs 1,000 monthly stipend.
- Haryana will open skill development centres across prisons offering ITI courses including COPA, welder, plumber, electrician, woodwork technician, sewing technology, cosmetology, and grease maker, plus a three-year polytechnic diploma in Computer Engineering, with the launch at District Jail, Gurugram.
- The inaugurations will be conducted by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant in the presence of Supreme Court and Punjab and Haryana High Court judges.
- Punjab’s framework adds post-release support through government ITIs, placement assistance, access to MSME schemes, counselling, and good-conduct certificates.
- Complementary measures include month-long statewide anti-drug awareness campaigns led by the Punjab and Haryana legal services authorities, while Punjab also expands jail factories, the Prison Inmate Calling System, Radio Ujala, sports and yoga programs, and petrol pumps at nine jails.