Punjab to build modern jails on western pattern : Gabria

Moga, Oct 17 (UNI) The Punjab government would bring reforms in jails and more number of modern jails would be built on the pattern of western countries, according to Punjab minister for Tourism and Jails, Hira Singh Gabria.

Mr Gabria said here last night, two modern jails were under construction at Nabha and Ropar and will be completed by March 31 next year.

Under the jails reforms programme, the foundation stones will be laid in March next year for construction of two more district-level jails on the pattern of western countries at Kapurthala and Faridkot at an estimated cost of Rs 200 crore, the Minister said.

Mr Gabria, who is also minister for Tourism and Culture, stated that the State government recognised the importance of tourism sector in generating employment opportunities and was spending Rs 35 crore during the next two years for developing Amritsar, Wagha and Patiala as tourist destinations and on the development of religious pilgrim circuits. The existing religious monuments, homes of freedom fighters and other monuments would also be renovated by the State government, he added.

The state government had increased the outlay for this sector from Rs 5.05 crore last year to Rs 18.25 crore during the current financial year, Mr Gabria said.

To promote and preserve Punjab Cultural heritage, State government had formulated a programme of organising cultural festivals at schools, colleges, sub-divisional and district-level and then at state levels. This would help spread awareness about Punjab's glorious past among the younger generation, the minister added.

UNI