The Central Jail in Bathinda on Wednesday launched ‘Ujala Radio’, an in-house community radio initiative aimed at promoting legal awareness, mental well-being, and rehabilitation among inmates as part of broader efforts to strengthen correctional reforms.
The radio station was inaugurated by District and Sessions Judge and Chairman of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Karunesh Kumar, during his visit to the Central Jail and Women’s Jail in Bathinda. He was accompanied by Civil Judge (Senior Division)-cum-Chief Judicial Magistrate and DLSA Secretary Baljinder Kaur Mann, and Judicial Magistrate First Class Inderjit Singh.
Describing the initiative as a step towards meaningful prison reforms, Karunesh Kumar said the radio service would go beyond entertainment by providing programmes on legal rights, healthcare, education, motivation and social awareness. “A prison should not only be a place of punishment but also a centre for reform and rehabilitation. Initiatives like ‘Ujala Radio’ can play an important role in helping inmates reconnect with society,” he said.
During the visit, the District and Sessions Judge interacted with undertrial and convicted prisoners to understand their concerns and obtain feedback on facilities available inside the jail. He assured inmates that safeguarding their legal and human rights would remain a priority and encouraged them to make use of free legal aid and other welfare services available through government agencies.
The inspection team also reviewed accommodation, sanitation, kitchen facilities, healthcare services and security arrangements inside both prisons. Karunesh Kumar directed the jail administration to ensure that inmates receive all essential facilities in accordance with prison rules and that their health, safety and welfare continue to receive priority attention.
Emphasising the need for a rehabilitation-oriented prison system, he said education, vocational training, counselling and healthcare programmes should be strengthened to equip inmates for a successful return to mainstream society after completing their sentences.
Officials from various departments also participated in the inspection. Psychiatrist Dr Sharandeep Kaur assessed the mental health requirements of inmates, while District Health Officer Dr Usha Goyal reviewed medical services available in the jail. District Child Protection Officer Ravneet Kaur separately inspected facilities for women inmates and children residing with them in the women’s prison.
The jail administration briefed the visiting officials on the rehabilitation and skill-development programmes currently being implemented and expressed confidence that the newly launched radio service would enhance awareness, encourage positive engagement and support ongoing correctional initiatives within the prison.