"The main idea behind allowing prisoners to bring their family members in a separate area inside jail is to promote and encourage good behaviour among inmates.
"Family members can sit and stay with prisoners to discuss their various problems or other important matters," Punjab DGP (Prisons) Shashi Kant said today.
The proposal was mooted after the Head of Punjab Prisons held meeting with the prisoners during which they shared their family related problems and matters with him.
The DGP has sent this proposal to Punjab Home Department for its nod as part of Jail Reforms programme.
Dubbing it as a "humanitarian" step, the DGP said that Punjab will be the first state in the country to allow such a facility for inmates.
"It is not possible for an inmate to discuss family problem in 'Mulakat Ghar'. Therefore, a separate place inside jail but out of barracks will be allotted for them where they can cook their meal, stay for one or two days with them," he said.
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However, Kant insisted that only those prisoners would be considered who had proven record of good conduct in jails.
"Prisoners with only proven and consistent good conduct for at least 3 to 5 years may be allowed to avail this facility," he said.
He added that the Law Department would frame rules and regulations in this regard.
There are 27 jails in the state with about 20,000 prisoners.