Punjab officials to face action over mobiles in jails
Also suggests change of terminology to tackle gangster culture
PATIALA: Punjab’s minister for jails Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said during a visit here on Friday that recovery of any mobile phone or drugs inside the state’s prisons will invite immediate suspension of the official indicted, besides leading to stern action against the jail superintendent too. He also suggested that the word “gunda” be used, instead of “gangster”.
PATIALA: Punjab’s minister for jails, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, said during a visit here on Friday that recovery of any mobile phone or drugs inside the state’s prisons will invite immediate suspension of the official indicted, besides leading to stern action against the jail superintendent too. Further, Randhawa, who took over the department earlier this week, suggested that the word “gunda” (goon) be used, instead of “gangster”, for “antisocial elements in jails” so as to “not let the young generation be influenced by them”.
Before his visit, staff searched the Patiala jail and found four mobile phones; and police registered an FIR. Randhawa was in town for the passing-out parade of the 85th batch of jail warders. He said “major” reforms are in store for the jail department “in the near future”. He also said, “Any Facebook live from the jail, or use of narcotics, will mean action against superintendent.”
‘TO CUT STAFF CRUNCH’
About the staffing, he said, “After a gap of 25 years, a batch of 148 warders has been recruited and has passed out. Staff shortage in jails will be completely resolved as the government will recruit more warders.” He also honoured the warders occupying top spots in various disciplines during training with trophies. Earlier, he paid homage at the memorial and visited the martyrs’ gallery of the jail department.
Principal of the Punjab Jail Training School, Rajan Kapoor, apprised the minister of its achievements and future plans. Among others present were MLAs Madan Lal Jalalpur and Hardayal Singh Kamboj, mayor Sanjeev Bittu, ADGP (jails) Iqbalpreet Singh Sahota, district and sessions judge Sanjeev Berry, Punjabi University vicechancellor BS Ghuman, divisional commissioner VK Meena, deputy commissioner Kumar Amit, and SSP S Bhupati.