Punjab govt allows prisoners to make video calls to families

The Punjab Home Department has implemented new audio and video calling services for inmates, allowing them to communicate with their families and legal representatives.

The initiative is part of the newly established regulations concerning the operation of Public Call Offices (PCOs) within correctional facilities.

As per the revised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), jail superintendents are tasked with creating a weekly timetable for inmates to utilize the PCOs.

These services will be accessible from Monday to Saturday, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, permitting inmates to make audio and video calls to a maximum of five registered phone numbers.

Each inmate will be allocated between 60 to 80 minutes weekly for these communications.

Inmates may reach out to immediate family members, spouses, and legal counsel, with access contingent upon the presentation of a verification slip from the barrack supervisor.

Fees for PCO usage will be deducted from the inmate’s Prison Management Information System (PMIS) account.

Inmates under the age of 18 or those who are financially unable to pay will receive PCO services at no cost. However, individuals convicted of terrorism or anti-state offenses will not be permitted to utilize this service, in accordance with the new regulations.