Chandigarh, May 12: Facing a critical shortfall of over 1,800 jail officials, the Punjab government has received in-principle clearance to recruit around 500 personnel, even as the state undertakes sweeping reforms in prison security.
A formal requisition is expected to be submitted to the Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board within a month.
The development was brought to the notice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court during the resumed hearing of a suo motu case concerning jail security.
Appearing before the Division Bench of Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal and Justice Deepak Manchanda, the state submitted that parallel efforts were underway to modernize security infrastructure across prisons.
Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, in an affidavit presented to the court, outlined the multi-pronged strategy aimed at addressing both personnel shortages and systemic vulnerabilities within jail facilities.
Among the key measures is the installation of AI-based CCTV systems across 14 jails, and the deployment of 57 e-bikes to enhance internal surveillance and mobility.
“The state has requested temporary personnel from CRPF, PESCO, Punjab Home Guards, IRB, QRTs, and the Punjab Police,” Sinha submitted.
“However, due to prevailing internal security duties, the mobilization may require additional time.”
The affidavit detailed an ongoing security equipment upgrade that includes 295 CCTV cameras, 90 body-worn cameras, 16 under-vehicle search mirrors, 110 anti-riot kits, 16 e-carts, 19 X-ray baggage machines (16 small tunnel-size and three large), live wire fencing in 23 prisons, and wire mesh barriers for high-security zones in four facilities.
The Cabinet, during its meeting on May 9, also approved the installation of V-Kavach jammers, designed to block unauthorized communications from inside prison premises.
The court acknowledged that timelines had been set for implementing these measures but clarified that such timelines would be valid only after administrative approvals were granted.
“The Chief Secretary shall file a fresh affidavit before the next hearing, clearly indicating the stage of each approval and ensuring there is no delay in processing proposals,” the Bench directed.
The court further instructed that updated implementation timelines be included in the revised affidavit. The matter is listed for further hearing on May 28.
