26,585 jail inmates to get smart cards
Varinder Singh
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, July 15
The Punjab Jails Department will issue smart cards to 26,585 inmates of 26 jails under the “e-purse” scheme, a pilot project to curb corruption in jails.
The aim of extending the scheme, which was initially launched at the Ferozepur central jail, to other jails is to phase out the existing coupon system and control cash flow, which is allegedly misused by inmates in purchasing drugs and bribing officers in jails.
Under the scheme, each inmate will be entitled to deposit Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 per meeting with known persons for residents of Punjab and outsiders, respectively.
The inmates can purchase items of daily use with deposited amount by using their smart card at the jail canteens. “The e-purse system was a big success at the Ferozepur jail. So, we have decided to extend it to jails in the states. It will help curb corruption and check misuse of cash in jails,” said Sanjay Kumar, Principal Secretary, Jails and NRI affairs.
Meanwhile, the construction at the second all-women jail of the state at Bathinda is likely to be over in four-five months. “The complex at the Bathinda all-women jail will be functional in the next 4-5 months. It will have a creche as well,” Sanjay said.
The jail has been equipped with modern facilities such as a vocational training centre, a school for women inmates and their children, a skill development centre, video conferencing, solar panels, a dispensary and a mini hospital.
“With the capacity of 275 inmates, the jail will be one of best jails for women in the country,” said IG (Jails) Lakhminder Singh Jakhar.
