Punjab Strengthens Prison Security with High-Tech Surveillance and V-Kavach Jammers. The Punjab Government has stepped up the process of upgrading security at 18 state jails by introducing state-of-the-art surveillance technologies. Till January 13, as many as 598 X-ray and other security machines and 647 CCTV cameras known as “camera strands” have been put in place to cover all important areas inside and outside the jails. These are a part of an integrated system designed to strengthen jail security.
Independent operation camera units joined together to make a larger network are called “camera strands”, which are used to monitor every zone of facilities. Other improvements in security areas are body scanners, baggage X-ray machines, and the utilization of “V-Kavach 2.0” jammers. On the other side, a new Prison Inmates Calling System or PICS was initiated to facilitate calling inside jails.
Information presented before the Punjab and Haryana High Court in a suo motu case related to jail security. A Division Bench comprising Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal and Justice Lapita Banerji was informed by the Additional Director General of Police (Prisons) that most of the timelines set out in earlier affidavits for upgrading security measures had been met.
The court was also informed that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had issued no objection certificates (NOCs) for the installation of “V-Kavach” jammers in nine high-security jails. However, NOCs for central jails in Patiala, Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur, and Ferozepur are still pending due to issues with the suppliers. The Prison Department has already sent proposals seeking administrative and financial approval for the installation of these jammers.
According to reports, other upgradations, including AI-enabled CCTV systems, X-ray baggage scanners, and body-worn cameras, are also on the way and will be finished in a couple of months. The court was told that there were delays in implementation because the Punjab Police Housing Corporation was the executing agency while the Prison Department has submitted all proposals in time.
Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh assured the court that all administrative hurdles would be addressed swiftly. Amicus Curiae Tanu Bedi sought and was granted permission to visit jails to evaluate the functionality of the newly deployed systems. The court scheduled the next hearing for January 28.
The introduction of V-Kavach jammers marks a significant development in prison security. These devices are designed to prevent the misuse of mobile phones within prison premises, thereby curbing illegal activities. Additionally, they can be used for anti-IED, anti-drone, anti-cellular system, and electronics jamming, providing a robust tool for enhancing the safety and security of correctional facilities in Punjab.