Strict Stand on Security, Discipline and Prisoner Welfare; UP Prison System Aimed to Become National Role Model
Lucknow: A high-level review meeting of the Prison and Correctional Services Department was held under the chairmanship of Uttar Pradesh Jail Minister Dara Singh Chauhan. During the meeting, the minister reviewed the overall functioning of the department through detailed presentations and assessed compliance with directions issued in previous review meetings.
The Jail Minister took detailed information about the AI-enabled video wall “JARVIS” installed at the headquarters and conducted an in-depth review of its operational effectiveness. Emphasizing security and discipline, he directed officials to ensure the smooth and effective functioning of CCTV cameras installed in all prisons. Special instructions were issued for continuous live CCTV monitoring of sensitive inmates, strengthening the PCO operating system, maintaining quality standards in new construction works, and ensuring robust departmental procedures.
Shri Chauhan stressed the need for regular duty rotation of jail warders, head warders and deputy jailers, along with intensified surprise inspections and night patrols to prevent any untoward incidents. He made it clear that negligence at any level would invite strict disciplinary action.
Reviewing the ‘One Jail–One Product’ initiative, the minister directed that products manufactured in prisons should be widely promoted through public events and platforms to enhance public awareness and support the rehabilitation and skill development of inmates.
Highlighting the core objective of the Prison Department, Chauhan said that prisons should not only ensure safety and discipline but also work toward making inmates healthy, morally strong and capable of reintegration into society. He instructed jail superintendents to conduct regular surprise inspections and personally monitor prison conditions. In matters related to elderly and ill inmates, he emphasized sensitivity and the speedy disposal of cases related to premature release.
The Jail Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making the Uttar Pradesh prison system a national-level role model, focusing on security, reform, rehabilitation and transparency.
The review meeting was attended by Director General of Prisons P.C. Meena, Additional Inspector General (Prison Administration) Dhamendra Singh, Deputy Inspector General (Headquarters) P.N. Pandey, along with other senior officials of the department.
