Punjab Assembly passes correctional services bill to modernise prison administration, amenities

The assembly also passed the Societies Registration Bill 2026. Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora stated that the bill modernises the regulatory framework for societies, including those in health, education, sports, social welfare and charitable activities. The amendments bring all societies under a uniform, transparent regime, ensuring responsible use of public funds and tax-exempt resources. The bill provides that all registered societies will be mandatorily covered under the Right to Information Act, enabling public scrutiny. Registrars are empowered to seek information to ensure compliance and prevent misuses. Societies will be required to renew registration every five years, and all existing societies must re-register within one year of enforcement to ensure active functioning and verified objectives and management.

During a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in Chandigarh, Jails Minister Ravjot Singh introduced and steered the Punjab Prisons and Correctional Services Bill, 2026. The bill seeks to modernise the prison administration by transforming prisons from custodial facilities into centres of reformation, rehabilitation and social reintegration. It replaces colonial-era laws with a comprehensive framework that protects prisoners' dignity and rights and emphasizes correctional services such as education, vocational training, skill development and psychological counselling. A robust prisoner classification system based on factors like age, gender, criminal history and risk is introduced, with special provisions for women, transgender individuals, the elderly and persons with disabilities. The bill also proposes high-security prisons and high-risk zones within facilities, along with mechanisms for inspection, grievance redressal and oversight. The Directorate of Prisons and Correctional Services will be strengthened, and healthcare, sanitation, legal aid and prisoner communication facilities will be enhanced to ensure access to medical treatment and mental health services aligned with constitutional safeguards and human rights standards.