Govt promoting innovation and skill development along with reforms: Dr. Arvind Sharma
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Haryana Cooperation, Jails, Elections, Heritage and Tourism Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma, said that under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, strict action is being taken against criminals to curb criminal activities. He said that prisons are now becoming examples of reform rather than punishment, and alongside correctional measures, inmates are being encouraged to develop innovative skills so that after completing their sentences, they can rejoin the mainstream of society.
Dr. Arvind Sharma inaugurated jail filling stations established in the jail complexes of Sonipat, Karnal, Faridabad, Hisar, Ambala, Yamunanagar, and Nuh from the District Jail premises in Sonipat on Sunday.
The Jail Minister said that considering the possibility of providing work opportunities outside the jail to inmates based on their good conduct, a pilot project for setting up a jail filling station was first launched at Kurukshetra Jail on the directions of the then Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal. After the success of this pilot project, a decision was taken to establish jail filling stations in 11 jails across the state, and as part of this initiative, seven petrol pumps have been inaugurated today. He added that by March 2026, jail filling stations will also be established in the jail complexes of Narnaul, Bhiwani, Sirsa, and Jhajjar.
Dr. Arvind Sharma further said that Haryana’s prisons are leading in providing education to inmates, especially education focused on innovation and skill development. Earlier this month, the Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, launched ITI diploma and polytechnic courses from Gurugram Jail, which are now being followed by other states as well.
He said that Haryana is ensuring that inmates are able to secure respectable employment after their release and become part of the mainstream of society. Therefore, efforts are being made to transform prisons into symbols of reform, education, and self-reliance.
Director General, Prisons, Alok Kumar Roy said that 50 gangsters have been lodged in different locations in the state’s prisons to prevent the formation of networks. He added that due to robust security arrangements, strict surveillance is being maintained on criminals to ensure they do not engage in further criminal activities.