Punjab Governor visits women’s jail, listens to inmates’ concerns

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Sunday visited the women’s jail and listened to issues faced by inmates.

He conducted a comprehensive review of facilities provided to the inmates. He personally inspected key amenities, including food services, medical facilities, legal aid clinics, PCO, library, barracks, factory and other vocational units.

During interactions with the female inmates, he gathered information about the healthcare services provided at the jail hospital, the food served and the status of their ongoing cases.

He informed them that those who were unable to afford private legal representation could avail free legal aid through the District Legal Services Authority, Ludhiana.

The Governor said inmates could have avail this assistance by visiting the legal aid clinic in the jail and filling out necessary forms.

He also emphasised that the visit was aimed at ensuring the rights of female inmates were upheld and addressing any challenges they face. He affirmed that the jail administration was committed to resolving issues promptly and ensuring fair treatment for all women. He also met children staying with their incarcerated mothers in the jail, providing them with notebooks, geometry boxes and other educational supplies.

Later, the inmates presented a cultural programme, demonstrating their artistic and vocational skills.

The Governor also lauded Superintendent Dalbir Singh, Deputy Superintendent Ravneet Kaur Dhillon, and other jail officials for arrangements made for the inmates and urged them to maintain high standards in the future. He also planted a sapling on the jail premises.

IG (Prisons) RK Arora, DIG (Prisons) Daljit Singh Rana, along with jail officials, honoured the Governor with items crafted by the inmates.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Khanna, Shikha Bhagat; DCP Parminder Singh Bhandal; Sub-Divisional Magistrate Jasleen Kaur Bhullar; Superintendent of Central Jail Kulwant Singh Sidhu and Deputy Superintendent Jagjit Singh were among those others who were present.