Modern jail in Faridkot to be ready by 2011

The completion of this jail is expected to help other overcrowded jails in the state to shed their burden to some extent.

“This jail is spread over 72 acres and it will be a double-storey structure. Care has been taken to provide fool-proof security. The idea of open spaces for the inmates has also been kept in mind. This jail is being constructed at a cost of Rs 112 crore,” said Raju.

The foundation stone for the jail was laid by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal in January 2009.

According to officials,the outer wall of this jail is about 26 feet high while the watch towers will stand 85 feet tall. With 13 barracks,the prison will be able to house 2,072 inmates. Based on a Spanish model,the jail has a provision of one ceiling fan for each bed,while washrooms and toilets will be right next to the barrack. It has its own power system,an inbuilt video- conferencing system,a water treatment plant,eight sheds where jail inmates will be imparted skills,a library,a kitchen,a 50-bed hospital and one dispensary. The highlight of this jail are the 96 quarters,of which 48 will be used by the families of jail inmates coming to meet them. A family will be allowed to stay with the jail inmate for a week. The rest of the quarters will be used by the police personnel posted here.

Dr Raju,who inspected the jail on Tuesday evening,said: “ I have thoroughly checked the construction material being used here and I am satisfied with the quality. While the work on this jail is going on round the clock,I have asked the company and my officials to ensure that the work is completed as soon as possible.” He said 80 per cent of the work was complete.