Empowering Lives Behind Bars: 11 new ITIs inside Punjab jails under correctional justice

December 5, 2025

Under the “Empowering Lives Behind Bars” initiative, the Punjab Government and the Punjab & Haryana High Court will establish 11 new ITIs inside jails.

The High Court of Punjab and Haryana, in collaboration with the Department of Prisons, Punjab, and the Department of Technical Education & Industrial Training, Punjab, is launching a major correctional reform initiative titled “Empowering Lives Behind Bars: Real Change – The New Paradigm of Correctional Justice”. The reform will be launched on December 6, 2025 at Central Jail, Patiala.

The programme will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India,  Surya Kant, in the presence of other Judges of the Supreme Court of India, Judges of the High Court, and senior State officials.

2,500 inmates across all 24 jails will receive NCVT and NSQF certified skill training.

The initiative aims to transform Punjab’s prisons into centres of learning and rehabilitation by providing nationally certified vocational training to 2, 500 inmates across all 24 jails, supported by the Punjab Skill Development Mission.

Under this initiative, 11 ITIs will be established inside Jails which will offer NCVT-certified long-term courses in trades including welding, electrician, plumbing, sewing technology, cosmetology, COPA, and bakery.

Apart from this, NSQF-aligned short-term courses in tailoring, jute and bag making, bakery, plumbing, mushroom cultivation, computer hardware, and other skills will also be offered. Training under national standards with certified faculty, modern workshops, a ₹1, 000 monthly stipend, and NCVET/NSQF certification.

 Punjab State Legal Services Authority to launch statewide campaign “Youth Against Drugs.”

On the same day, the Punjab State Legal Services Authority will also launch a one-month statewide Anti-Drug Awareness Campaign, “Youth Against Drugs, ” inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India. Running from 6 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, the campaign will mobilise communities and institutions to combat drug abuse through awareness, legal education, and rehabilitation outreach.

These initiatives reflect the High Court’s commitment to rehabilitative justice, dignity, and safer communities, enabling inmates to move from custody to capability and fostering a drug-free society.