Haryana Chief Minister Unveils Landmark Welfare Package for Jail Warders
In a significant move aimed at enhancing the working conditions and career prospects of prison staff, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced a comprehensive welfare package for jail warders and head warders on Thursday. The announcement was made during the first convocation parade ceremony at the Jail Training Academy in Karnal, where 116 newly trained officers and warders were inducted.
Key Reforms and Financial Incentives
Under the new policy, jail warders will now be eligible for promotion to the post of Head Warder after completing 18 years of service, addressing long-standing service-related anomalies. Additionally, jail warders and head warders will receive allowances at par with police constables, ensuring pay parity across law enforcement roles.
Effective from the next financial year, the monthly ration allowance has been increased two-and-a-half times to Rs 1,500, providing substantial relief to personnel. The conveyance allowance has seen a dramatic rise from Rs 50 to Rs 720, while the uniform allowance has been enhanced to Rs 7,500, reflecting the government's commitment to improving the financial well-being of prison staff.
Enhancements in Service and Recognition
Chief Minister Saini also announced that officers and employees who receive the Correctional Service Medal will be granted a one-year extension in service, a measure designed to reward dedication and excellence. He emphasized that these reforms are expected to boost the motivation and efficiency of prison personnel across the state, contributing to a more robust correctional system.
During the ceremony, Saini congratulated the newly inducted Assistant Superintendents and Warders, noting that the batch includes one woman Assistant Superintendent and eight women warders. He described this as a commendable step towards women's empowerment within the prison department.
Modernization and Rehabilitation Initiatives
Describing the prison system as a vital pillar of a democratic society, Saini stated that jails are not just places of punishment but laboratories of reform, rehabilitation, and human transformation. To support this vision, the government has implemented several modernization measures, including the digitization of inmate records and the rollout of e-jail systems.
In a bid to promote rehabilitation, skill development courses are being conducted for inmates, and petrol pumps have been established in eight prisons to provide employment opportunities. Additionally, a high-security prison for hardened criminals is in the final stage of construction at Rohtak, aimed at enhancing security and management within the correctional facilities.
Leadership and Ethical Guidance
Addressing the newly recruited personnel, Saini urged them to uphold integrity, discipline, and compassion in their duties. He stressed that continuous learning and ethical conduct are essential traits for outstanding prison officers, highlighting the importance of their role in societal transformation.
Jails Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma echoed these sentiments, advising prison officers to balance firmness with sensitivity to ensure inmates emerge as better citizens. Director General of Prisons Alok Mittal added that the training at the new academy represents a crucial step towards modernizing the department and enhancing its professional efficiency.
This comprehensive package marks a pivotal moment in Haryana's efforts to reform its prison system, focusing on both the welfare of staff and the rehabilitation of inmates, thereby strengthening the state's correctional infrastructure.
