Haryana Gets a State-of-the-Art Prison Training Academy

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini Inaugurates Modern Academy in Karnal; Announces Recruitment of 1,300 Prison Warders and Construction of Three New Jails Worth ₹300 Crore

Karnal, Haryana: In a landmark step towards strengthening and modernising Haryana’s prison administration with a more humane and reform-oriented approach Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini inaugurated the state-of-the-art Prison Training Academy in Karnal. The inauguration ceremony was attended by State Cabinet Minister for Jails Dr. Arvind Sharma, senior administrative officials, public representatives, and several distinguished guests.

Haryana Moves Towards Prison Reforms

Spread across approximately 6.5 acres, the modern academy has been developed at a cost of ₹30.29 crore. Equipped with energy-efficient infrastructure, climate-responsive architecture, and advanced training facilities, the academy is expected to become a model institution not only for Haryana but for the entire northern region of India.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that prisons should no longer be viewed merely as places of punishment but as centres for transformation and rehabilitation.

To strengthen the prison system, he announced the recruitment of 1,300 prison warders, appointments of medical and paramedical staff, and the recruitment of additional personnel required for the smooth functioning of the academy.

Three New Jails Approved Under a New Vision

The Chief Minister also announced that the Haryana Government has approved the construction of three new prisons in Panchkula, Charkhi Dadri, and Fatehabad, with a combined investment of approximately ₹300 crore.

Additionally, he announced the establishment of a Gaushala (cow shelter) within the Karnal Jail campus, reflecting the government’s emphasis on humane and value-based correctional practices.

Integration of Technology and Professional Training

Chief Minister Saini stated that the academy will provide comprehensive training to prison personnel in several modern disciplines, including:

• Human Rights
• Modern Security Management
• Prison Administration
• Psychological Rehabilitation of Prisoners
• Correctional Management
• Rehabilitation and Reintegration Programmes
• Technology-driven Prison Operations

He said that the academy would help create a highly skilled workforce capable of transforming prisons into genuine correctional institutions focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment alone.

Smart Prisons for the Digital Era

Sharing his vision for Smart Prisons, the Chief Minister said Haryana is strengthening prison administration through technology, transparency, and accountability.

According to the government, more than 1,100 CCTV cameras have already been installed across prisons in Haryana to enhance surveillance and security.

The state has also widely implemented Virtual Court Production Systems, enabling prisoners to attend court proceedings digitally, improving security while reducing transportation costs and administrative burdens.

Chief Minister’s Vision: Innovation in Justice During Amrit Kaal

Addressing the gathering, Nayab Singh Saini said:

“India has entered the era of Amrit Kaal, and our justice and correctional systems must evolve accordingly. This academy represents a new era where innovation and humanity come together to strengthen our correctional system.”

He emphasised that the academy would play a significant role in preparing correctional officers capable of meeting future challenges while upholding human dignity and constitutional values.

Commitment to Reform and Rehabilitation

State Jail Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma highlighted the achievements of the Jail Department and discussed ongoing efforts to transform prisons into centres for skill development and rehabilitation.

He also urged the Chief Minister to introduce Gita discourse sessions and regular Yoga classes inside prisons to promote moral values, mental well-being, and positive behavioural change among inmates.

Additional Chief Secretary (Home and Jails Department), Dr. Sumita Mishra, described the academy as the first specialised prison training institution of its kind in North India. She said the Haryana Government continues to invest in advanced technologies to modernise the state’s prison administration.

Exhibition Showcases Prisoner Rehabilitation

During the event, the Chief Minister also visited an exhibition displaying products manufactured by prison inmates.

The exhibition showcased the creativity, craftsmanship, and rehabilitation efforts of prisoners, demonstrating how vocational training can help inmates become self-reliant after their release.

He also inspected various facilities within the academy, including classrooms, training centres, residential infrastructure, and advanced technological installations.

Distinguished Guests Present

Several prominent dignitaries attended the inauguration, including:

• MLA Jagmohan Anand
• MLA Yogendra Rana
• Bhagwan Das Kabirpanthi
• Mayor Renu Bala Gupta
• BJP leader Trilochan Singh
• Nirmala Bairagi
• Megha Bhandari
• Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh
• Superintendent of Police Gangaram Poonia
• SDM Anubhav Mehta
• Senior government officials and public representatives

Beyond Reform: A Vision for Reconstruction

The Haryana Government announced several important initiatives aimed at transforming the prison system:

• Recruitment of 1,300 prison warders
• Construction of three new modern prisons
• Establishment of a Gaushala inside Karnal Jail
• Appointment of medical and paramedical staff
• Expansion of prison modernisation programmes

An Inspiring Feature of the Academy

One of the academy’s most unique features is its inspiring environment.

The walls of the institution are adorned with motivational quotations and reform-oriented messages from eminent personalities, reinforcing the philosophy that:

“The purpose of punishment is not revenge, but reform.”

This reflects the government’s broader vision of combining modern infrastructure with progressive correctional values.

Future Roadmap

The Haryana Government also outlined several future initiatives:

• Establishment of satellite training units in other districts
• Specialised training programmes for women prison officers
• International exchange programmes with global prison experts
• Continued investment in correctional research and innovation

Major Highlights

• State-of-the-art academy spread across 6.5 acres
• Project cost: ₹30.29 crore
• Recruitment of 1,300 prison warders
• Appointment of medical and paramedical staff
• Construction of three new prisons worth ₹300 crore
• Proposal to establish a Gaushala inside Karnal Jail

Focus Areas of Training

The academy will conduct both induction training for newly recruited prison personnel and refresher courses for existing staff.

Core areas of training include:

• Human Rights
• Technical Competency
• Psychological Aspects of Prisoner Rehabilitation
• Modern Security and Surveillance Systems
• Digital Prison Administration

Technology Upgradation

The academy supports Haryana’s vision of technologically advanced correctional facilities through:

• More than 1,100 CCTV cameras across prisons
• Virtual court production facilities
• Enhanced security and resource optimisation
• Digital mapping of prison infrastructure

Haryana’s Prisons: Laboratories of Positive Change

Haryana’s correctional system is increasingly focusing on rehabilitation by providing prisoners with opportunities in:

• Skill Development
• Cottage Industries
• Vocational Training
• Psychological Counselling
• Self-Reliance Programmes

These initiatives aim to help inmates reintegrate successfully into society after serving their sentences.

North India’s First Modern Prison Training Facility

The Prison Training Academy is expected to become the first specialised correctional training institution of its kind in North India, preparing prison personnel to meet international standards of correctional administration.

What Makes the Academy Unique?

• Smart Classrooms: Equipped with advanced audio-visual learning technology.
• Residential Campus: Air-conditioned hostel facilities for trainees and officers.
• Yoga and Fitness Centre: Dedicated facilities for physical and mental well-being.
• Digital Training Laboratories: Specialised training in cybercrime investigation and digital prison management.
• Mental Health Counselling Centre: Focused on the psychological well-being of both prison staff and inmates.
• Library and Research Centre: Equipped with extensive resources on criminal justice, prison administration, and correctional reforms.