IOC to open fuel stations on jail land

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Tribune News Service

Patiala, June 3

The Jails Department has tied up with Indian Oil Corporation to operate fuel stations on its land.

Jails Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa today signed an MoU with the corporation. The state’s first fuel station on land belonging to the Jails Department will now be opened at Patiala’s Punjab Jail Training School. It will be run by inmates having good character.

Randhawa said, “This will be a unique initiative to train inmates and help them join the mainstream once they complete their sentence.” He said funds generated by fuel stations would help the government do more for the rehabilitation of inmates and add more facilities for them in prisons.

“Verka and Markfed products will be available for general public at the fuel stations and the income from it will also be spent on the welfare of inmates. After successful run at Patiala, similar fuel stations will be opened across the state”, said Randhawa. He claimed that to strengthen the department, 420 more appointments are being made.

Earlier during the passing out parade of the Jail Training School, the minister awarded certificates to 246 wardens and matrons on completion of their courses.