Punjab continues to advance its prison reforms with the appointment of both senior and junior psychologists across jails in the province.
A significant focus has been placed on improving the mental health of prisoners, with a new initiative to establish mental health centers in every prison.
The centers will facilitate the examination, diagnosis, and consultation of inmates, ensuring timely psychological support.
Under the reforms, prison psychologists will be required to examine every new prisoner within 24 hours of their arrival to assess their mental health.
The psychologists will categorize prisoners based on their crime, criminal history, and personality traits, and will provide counseling for those exhibiting violent behavior or suffering from mental stress.
Special attention will be given to adolescent and female prisoners.
Punjab Home Department has outlined that psychologists will also train prison staff to better handle prisoners dealing with psychological issues, including those with suicidal tendencies or addiction problems.
Psychologists will be members of the parole board, providing risk assessments and counseling for parole decisions.
Weekly mental health checks will be conducted for death row prisoners, and monthly counseling sessions will be held.
Efforts will be made to rehabilitate drug addicts and those facing serious psychological challenges within the prison system.
These reforms represent a concerted effort to protect prisoners' mental well-being and ensure their rehabilitation.
