Convicts who qualify different academic exams, learn trade skills or memorise the Holy Quran during confinement in prisons in the Punjab will get special remission up to two years in their sentence.
The Inspector General of Prisons, Punjab, Kokab Nadeem in an exclusive interview with APP here Sunday said that the Punjab Prisons department has mapped out an ambitious programme to impart religious education and technical training to inmates for their rehabilitation as responsible citizens after their release from prison.
He said that 23 convicts undergoing different terms in five jails of the province have so far memorised the Quran recently under the supervision of approved qualified religious teachers. All 13 convicts, on the report of a panel of examiners drawn from top religious institutions of the province, have been given two years' special remission in their sentence.
About 30 other convicts in various prisons are presently learning the Holy Quran after qualifying the Quran-e-Nazra examinations, he disclosed. "Christian convicts are also provided the services of Christian teachers to guide them in their faith," he added.
He said training in trades like ceramics, TV assembly, pottery, carpet weaving and tailoring etc will also be imparted to prisoners in all Central Jails of the province. Kokab explained that six months' remission is granted to convicts who qualify the exams of universities/boards/technical education boards during confinement. Talking about security arrangements in prisons, he said all regional DIGs and Superintendents of Jails have been directed to enforce the jail manual in their respective facilities so that rules are followed and security lapses do not occur.
The IG said that discipline and tight security in and around all prisons will be fully ensured, and action is being taken againt negligent officials which may even lead to suspension and removal from service, he observed.
He said that there would be no compromise on the quality of food and medical treatment for inmates in jail hospitals, adding that a master plan is being chalked out for the welfare of both jailers and inmates.