Punjab’s prison system is set to undergo a significant transformation with the installation of flour mills within its facilities. Previously, the Punjab Prison Department relied on external contractors to procure flour for approximately 66,000 inmates across 43 prisons in the province. However, recent policy changes have paved the way for a revolutionary shift in sourcing wheat directly from the food department.
Under the new policy, an estimated 14,000 metric tons of wheat will be procured annually at government rates, resulting in substantial cost savings for the state treasury. The initiative, which received approval from the Punjab chief minister, has elevated the matter of wheat supply to prisons to the Cabinet Committee.
In a bid to further enhance this innovative program, sources reveal that all prisons are slated to install electric mills for wheat milling. Inmates themselves will take an active role in the milling process, contributing to a more self-sustaining system within the prison walls. This move not only empowers the inmates but also promises to generate additional savings for the government.
The introduction of these inmate-operated flour mills marks a paradigm shift in prison management and resource utilization. By incorporating this sustainable solution, Punjab is not only addressing the basic needs of its incarcerated population but also making a significant contribution to fiscal responsibility.
