In Punjab, to educate prisoners to facilitate their reintegration into mainstream society after their release from the jails, the Department of Prisons has permanently employed 15 teachers. They will not only teach the inmates but their children as well. Previously, these teaching positions were filled through temporary arrangements.

Punjab’s Minister for Jails, Laljit Singh Bhullar while handing over the appointment letters to the newly recruited teachers said that these teachers will play a crucial role in their future life.

The Cabinet Minister Bhullar informed that approximately 2200 prisoners are currently enrolled in various educational courses under the department’s ‘Sikhya Daat Project’. 513 prisoners are set to undergo skill development training in January 2025. They will be trained as electricians, plumbers and tailors. These courses will be conducted by the Punjab Skill Development Mission. The Jail Department has kept the target of 3,070 inmates to be trained in various skills during the year 2024-25.

As of now, over 1600 inmates have been trained in various skills such as jute bag making, soft toy making, beautician, computer courses, plumbing and dairy farming, among many other courses. Certificates are also issued to the inmates so that they get employment once released from jail.