Jail Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh inspects central and women’s jails

Ludhiana, April 17, 2026: Punjab Jail Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh on Friday conducted a detailed inspection of the central and women’s jails. 
The Minister visited various sections including barracks, high-security areas, kitchen, factory units, workshops (carpentry, welding, power loom, weaving, tailoring, and bakery), PCO, CCTV control room, recreational facilities, and the computer lab. He was also briefed on Industrial Training Institute (ITI) skill development courses being offered to prisoners.
Dr. Singh also inspected the jail kitchen, tasted the food, and interacted with inmates. He appreciated the songs written and performed by prisoners and patiently listened to their grievances. He visited the jail hospital to review medical services, including OPD, HIV ART, TB treatment, and counseling programs. Doctors highlighted the need for a portable X-ray machine, cell counter, and lab analyzer.
Addressing inmates through Radio Ujala Punjab, the Minister encouraged them to actively participate in work, sports, and education for their reformation.
Later, at the Women’s Jail, Dr. Singh inspected food services, medical care, legal aid clinic, library, barracks, and vocational units. He interacted with female inmates, inquired about their healthcare, food quality, and court cases, and informed them about free legal aid available through the District Legal Services Authority.
At the women’s jail hospital, the Medical Officer requested an additional doctor to manage 24-hour duty following which the Minister directed the jail superintendent to forward the request to the Civil Surgeon. He also met children staying with women inmates and distributed stationery kits to encourage their education.
Speaking after the visit, Dr. Ravjot Singh said that previous governments had failed to transform jails into reform homes, allowing them to become dominated by gangsters. He added that under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership, the government is working to turn prisons into genuine reform centers by improving infrastructure, curbing illegal mobile phone use, and installing advanced CCTV systems.
Earlier upon arrival at the Central Jail, the Minister was accorded a guard of honour by a Punjab Police contingent.
Senior officials present included DIG Jails Surinderjeet Singh Mand, ADCP Jashandeep Singh Gill, Central Jail Superintendent Kulwant Singh Sidhu, and Women’s Jail Superintendent Dalbir Singh Kahlo, among others.