RAWALPINDI: The Punjab prison department has decided to set up daycare centers for minors living with their prisoner mothers in Punjab jails.

Besides, woman officials posted in female wards can also have the facility for their children.

During a visit to different jails, Inspector General of Prisons Punjab Malik Mubashir Ahmed felt the need for daycare centres in all Punjab jails.

He observed that jails did not have proper recreation and educational facilities for prisoner mothers’ and female jail officials’ children.

Additionally, he also observed that absence of these facilities deprived children of their basic rights of being brought up in a better recreational and educational environment.

It was therefore decided to take concrete steps at the level of each jail administration where women wards exist and establish a proper daycare centre having a colorful room with lush green lay area consisting of artificial grass, big and small sized toys and swings installed there.

In addition, audio and video systems will also be installed for entertainment and education.

The Punjab Inspector General of Prisons sent a letter to the DIGs and Superintendents of jails in this regard.

In his letter, he directed the jail officials across Punjab, including Adiala jail to provide state of the art daycare centers in all such jails across Punjab where women wards exist.

Similarly, copies of books and audio and video systems for education and entertainment should be provided to children from Montessori to Class 1.

According to jail authorities, the purpose of setting up daycare centres was to provide an educational and recreational environment to young children.

Published in Dawn, January 28th, 2023