Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): Haryana Jails Minister, Dr Arvind Sharma, said that the Haryana Government’s objective is not to limit jails merely to a system of punishment, but also to reform inmates and reintegrate them into the mainstream of society.
Dr Arvind Sharma said that along with strengthening security arrangements in all jails across the state, several initiatives have been undertaken for the reform, skill development and rehabilitation of inmates.
The Cabinet Minister said that under the guidance of the Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the government is making sustained efforts to ensure that inmates receive training, become self-reliant, and can reintegrate into mainstream society with dignity after their release. The government is making every possible effort at both the financial and administrative levels towards this objective, he said.
Dr Arvind Sharma said that in a modern jail system, reform and rehabilitation are as important as security. With this approach, the State Government is moving ahead with the construction of new jails, expansion of modern technology and programmes to provide employment-oriented training to inmates, he said.
The Cabinet Minister said that Haryana’s jails are witnessing a rapid transformation. Along with stringent security arrangements, equal emphasis is now being placed on the reform and rehabilitation of inmates. Technology-enabled security systems, construction of new high-security jails, an environment closer to normal life through open jails, ITI and technical training, and initiatives to facilitate employment after release are giving a new direction to jail administration in the state, he said.
At present, Haryana has three Central Jails, 17 District Jails and two Open Air Jails, with a total authorised capacity of 24,280 inmates. As on August 1, 2026, 26,860 inmates were lodged in jails across the state. In view of the number of inmates exceeding the authorised capacity, the government is working on the construction of new jails while also equipping existing jails with modern facilities and technology.
*High-Security Jail in Rohtak, New Jails Planned in Several Districts*
Construction of new and high-security jails is among the major initiatives of the Jails Department. A High-Security Jail with a capacity of 312 inmates is being constructed in Rohtak at a cost of about Rs. 90 crore, and the work is progressing rapidly. Besides, a new District Jail with a capacity of 1,200 inmates is under construction in Fatehabad. The process for the construction of new District Jails with capacities of 1,200 inmates in Charkhi Dadri and 954 inmates in Panchkula is also underway.
To strengthen jail security through technology, a state-of-the-art call-blocking system has been installed at Central Jail, Ambala. The process of installing modern surveillance technology is also underway at Central Jail, Hisar, as well as jails in Faridabad, Kurukshetra, Kaithal and Sirsa, for which Rs. 9.16 crore has been sanctioned.
Measurement collection units have also been established to create scientific records of inmates and offenders. Information such as fingerprints, facial recognition data, DNA samples and retinal scans is being recorded. This system will strengthen the use of modern technology in jail security as well as in criminal investigation.
*Preparing Inmates for Life Beyond Jail Walls*
One of the most significant aspects of Haryana’s correctional system is preparing inmates to return to normal life. Open Air Jails have been established in Faridabad and Karnal, where inmates with good conduct are being provided an opportunity to live with their families. At present, 48 inmates are residing with their families in these two jails.
Semi-Open Air Jail facilities have been established in all jails across the state except Palwal. These facilities have a total capacity of 487 inmates, and 178 inmates have been permitted to reside in them. The initiative aims to foster a sense of responsibility and self-reliance among inmates.
ITI centres have been established in five jails to prepare inmates for employment after their release. Industrial training is being provided in 12 trades, with 255 inmates registered for training. Work is also underway to establish a technical diploma training centre at District Jail, Gurugram.
An agreement has been entered into with Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam Limited (HKRNL) to facilitate employment opportunities after training. So far, 117 trained inmates have been registered on the HKRNL portal. This initiative of the Jails Department is considered an important step towards the rehabilitation of inmates.
*Jail Products Record Sales Worth Crores; Petrol Pumps Expand to More Jails*
Products manufactured in jail workshops are now establishing their presence in the market. Furniture, handicrafts, garments, food products and decorative items made by inmates are being provided market access through various fairs and events. Stalls showcasing jail products have also been set up at the Surajkund International Mela and the Gita Jayanti Mahotsav.
Last year, products manufactured in jails recorded sales of Rs. 1.76 crore, while sales worth Rs. 1.52 crore have been recorded so far during the current year. The initiative is helping inmates build confidence and move towards self-reliance through work.
Following the success of the petrol pump and CNG filling station established at District Jail, Kurukshetra, petrol pumps are also being operated at jails in Ambala, Hisar, Yamunanagar, Karnal, Sonipat, Faridabad, Nuh and Sirsa, among others. The petrol pump at Kurukshetra Jail recorded sales of about Rs. 54 crore during the previous financial year.
To make judicial proceedings simpler and more secure, 453 video conferencing systems have been installed in jails across the state. At present, around 85 per cent of court appearances of inmates are being conducted through video conferencing. This is reducing security risks while also saving time and resources.
*Jail Radio Operational in 14 Jails*
To promote the mental and social rehabilitation of inmates, jail radio stations have been established in 14 jails across the state. The process of setting up radio stations in the jails of Kaithal, Bhiwani, Sirsa, Jhajjar, Narnaul and Rewari is also underway. Through these platforms, efforts are being made to engage inmates in positive activities and creative programmes.
