CAG Flags Punjab Jail Crisis: Overcrowding, Poor Facilities & Escapes

• A CAG report reveals severe overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, and poor medical facilities in Punjab jails.
• Jail occupancy significantly exceeds capacity, with 28,481 male inmates against a capacity of 23,658 in 2022-23.
• Overcrowding is exacerbated by prolonged undertrial custody and delays in new jail construction/renovation.
• Facilities are dire: 74% male and 63% female barracks lack adequate toilets; healthcare faces 72% bed and 60% staff shortages.
• Poor medical care led to 45,497 inmates treated outside, resulting in 22 escapes; government claims of inmate transfers are disputed by CAG.