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Punjab assembly likely to take up Prisons Bill on May 1
The Punjab government plans to table a new Prisons Bill in a one-day special assembly session on May 1, replacing the 1894 Prisons Act. The bill envisions a correctional, rehabilitation-focused system with technology-backed security, modeled on a 2023 Act prepared by the Union home ministry.
Why It Matters
The proposed law seeks to modernize prison management, emphasize rehabilitation and human rights, and bolster security to address emerging challenges.
Timeline
2 Events
Punjab assembly to table Prisons Bill in one-day session
April 30, 2026
The Punjab government is likely to table a new Prisons Bill in the one-day special assembly session on May 1, aiming to replace the colonial-era Prisons Act, 1894, to overhaul the state’s prison administration. The bill seeks to move prisons towards a correctional model focused on reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration, while incorporating humane standards, higher internal security, and accountability mechanisms. It includes provisions for AI-enabled CCTV surveillance, biometric identification, RFID tracking, and integration with national platforms, along with the creation of high-security zones and structured post-release rehabilitation.
Bill modeled on Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023
2023
The proposed Prisons Bill is modeled on the Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023, prepared by the Union home ministry, to align Punjab prison management with modern security needs and human rights standards.