Punjab allows prisoners across the province to make video calls to families

The Punjab Home Department has introduced new audio and video call facilities for prisoners, enabling them to connect with their families and legal counsel. The move comes under new rules governing the use of Public Call Offices (PCOs) in prisons.

According to the updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), jail superintendents will establish a weekly schedule for prisoners to access the PCOs. The facilities will be available from Monday to Saturday, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, allowing prisoners to make audio and video calls using up to five registered phone numbers. Each prisoner will be allotted 60 to 80 minutes per week for these calls.

Prisoners can contact close relatives, spouses, and legal counsel, with access granted only after presenting a verification slip from the barrack in charge. Charges for PCO use will be deducted from the prisoner’s Prison Management Information System (PMIS) account.

PCO facilities will be provided free of charge to prisoners under 18 years old or those unable to pay. However, prisoners convicted of terrorism or anti-state activities will be excluded from using this service, as per the new guidelines.