Ujala Punjab Prison Olympics–2026 Concludes at Central Jail, Patiala
Jail Minister Urges Prisoners to Reform and Begin Anew
Patiala News: Punjab Jails and Transport Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar today called upon inmates lodged in various prisons across the state to rectify their past mistakes and begin a new chapter in life with dignity and purpose.
The Minister was at Central Jail, Patiala to distribute awards to the winners of the Ujala Punjab Prison Olympics–2026, which concluded today. Prior to this, he attended the passing out parade of 48 Warders and 3 Matrons at the Punjab Jail Training School, Patiala, marking the completion of their basic training.
The event was attended by ADGP Jails Arunpal Singh, Principal Secretary/IG Jails Mohammad Tayyab, and DIGs S.S. Mand and M.K. Sharma, among other senior officials.
Addressing the inmates, S. Laljit Singh Bhullar said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has introduced several rehabilitation and skill-development programmes within prisons. These initiatives aim to prepare inmates for self-employment and reintegration into society upon completion of their sentences.
Referring to the petrol pumps being set up outside jails across the state, the Minister said that such initiatives will provide opportunities for inmates with good conduct to engage in productive work and rebuild their lives.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to discipline and reform, he said that sports competitions like the Ujala Punjab Prison Olympics foster teamwork, confidence and a positive environment among prisoners.
The 2026 edition featured competitions in tug-of-war, kabaddi, volleyball, badminton, chess, drawing, athletics, long jump, and shot put for male inmates. Women inmates participated in chess, drawing, badminton singles and doubles, athletics, long jump, and shot put. Patiala Zone emerged as the overall champion, followed by Faridkot Zone in second place and Kapurthala Zone in third.
Speaking to the media, the Minister asserted that gangsters and smugglers operating in Punjab were the legacy of previous governments, while the present government has taken decisive steps to dismantle such networks.
He emphasized that those involved in extortion, drug trafficking or violence against innocent citizens would not receive any leniency.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, he said, “Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab is moving towards becoming a drug-free, gangsterism-free and progressive Rangla Punjab.”
The Minister informed that the high-security jail being constructed in Ludhiana to detain high-profile gangsters, drug smugglers, and hardened criminals under stringent surveillance will become operational by the end of the year.
He added that ultra-modern security systems—including AI-based digital CCTV cameras, full-body and bag scanners, X-ray machines, sniffer dogs, metal detectors, walkie-talkies, and 5G-enabled V-Kavach jammers—are being installed across prisons to curb smuggling of mobile phones, weapons and other contraband.
During the ceremony, trainees who excelled during their training were felicitated by the Minister.
Principal Varun Sharma of the Jail Training School welcomed the dignitaries and presented the training report.
On this occasion, appointment letters were handed over to nine beneficiaries selected for government jobs in the Jail Department on compassionate grounds. Central Jail Superintendent Gurcharan Singh Dhaliwal, Additional SP Jaideep Singh and other jails officials also attended the event.
