Jagdeep Kaur Virk, Learned Member Secretary (Incharge) of the Punjab State Legal Services Authority, Mohali, visited Amritsar Central Jail, along with the District Legal Services Authority, to inspect and review the functioning of legal aid services for inmates on Saturday.
During the inspection, she examined records and registers relating to legal aid, jail visits and the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System. The exercise aimed to ensure effective implementation of legal aid schemes and to safeguard the rights of inmates lodged in the jail, she said.
A detailed inspection of the women’s barrack was also carried out in the Central Jail, where she interacted privately with women inmates to hear their grievances regarding legal representation, welfare and facilities. She also enquired about the well-being of seven children residing with their mothers within the jail premises.
The quality of food served to inmates was inspected and found satisfactory. Virk also visited the Vocational Training Centre in the women’s ward, where she appreciated the skill-based articles prepared by inmates and stressed the importance of vocational activities for rehabilitation and empowerment.
Later, she held private meetings with male inmates to review the functioning of the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System and to ensure timely and adequate legal assistance.
Amardeep Singh Bains, Civil Judge (Senior Division)-cum-Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Amritsar, and Rajiv Kumar Arora, Jail Superintendent, were present during the inspection and assisted in the proceedings.
