Nosheen Rasheed
The Punjab Probation and Parole Service (PP&PS) is an essential part of Punjab’s criminal justice system, responsible for managing non-custodial measures to rehabilitate and reintegrate offenders. However, the department faces serious challenges that hinder its effectiveness. A major issue is the severe shortage of human resources. Out of 396 sanctioned positions, 182 are vacant, with 76 Probation and Parole Officers managing nearly 40,000 offenders. This overwhelming caseload is exacerbated by the absence of necessary support staff like Data Entry Operators, leaving officers without crucial administrative assistance.
Another critical challenge is insufficient budgetary allocations. The department operates on a modest budget of 369 million rupees for 2024-25, with only 59 million allocated for operational purposes and the rest for pay and allowances. In contrast, the Punjab Prisons Department has a budget of 12-13 billion rupees. Despite handling a similar number of offenders, this financial disparity hampers the department’s ability to run effective rehabilitation programs and meet its operational needs.
Recruitment at Grade 16 poses another problem. Probation and Parole Officers, despite having qualifications equivalent to Grade 17 officers in other departments, are recruited at a lower grade with lower salaries. This creates dissatisfaction and results in a 40% brain drain as officers seek better opportunities. This turnover weakens the department’s ability to retain skilled personnel and undermines its efforts in offender rehabilitation.
The lack of infrastructure is another hurdle. Probation Officers work from offices provided by the judiciary or Deputy Commissioners, while divisional offices are rented. This lack of permanent infrastructure impedes effective functioning. Though the construction of Offender Reformation Centers is underway, the absence of dedicated office spaces remains a significant challenge.
The absence of a structured promotional system compounds these issues. Probation and Parole Officers remain in Grade 16 for decades due to the limited availability of mandatory promotional training by the Management Professional Development Department (MPDD). As a result, several key posts, such as Assistant Directors (8 out of 14) and Deputy Directors (10 out of 11), remain vacant, which prevents the department from functioning at full capacity. Since its inception, no officer has been promoted to the level of Director, reflecting a deep-rooted structural issue.
Another pressing concern is the lack of training for newly recruited officers. Without proper orientation, these officers are sent into the field to interact with the judiciary and district administration, leaving them unprepared for their responsibilities.
Addressing these challenges is crucial for the department’s future success. Filling vacant positions is an immediate priority. This would relieve the burden on the existing staff and improve offender management. The government must also increase the department’s budget to ensure better service delivery and operational efficiency. Additional funds would allow the department to invest in critical resources, including rehabilitation programs, infrastructure, and training for staff.
The recruitment policy should be revised to hire Probation and Parole Officers at Grade 17, which would not only help reduce the brain drain but also attract more qualified candidates. Reforming the promotional structure is equally important. The MPDD should increase the number of officers eligible for promotional training, ensuring that higher-ranking positions are filled without delay.
Infrastructure development must also be prioritized. The construction of Offender Reformation Centers and the establishment of dedicated offices across districts and divisions would enhance the department’s operational capabilities. Providing stable and functional workspaces would improve service delivery and create a better working environment for officers.
Lastly, a structured training program should be introduced for newly recruited officers. This would ensure that they are properly equipped to handle their duties and responsibilities, facilitating better coordination with the judiciary and district administration.
In conclusion, the Punjab Probation and Parole Service is a vital component of the criminal justice system, with the potential to reduce recidivism and lessen the burden on Punjab’s prisons. However, to fulfill this potential, the department requires urgent reforms in several key areas, including human resources, budget allocation, infrastructure, and training. Strengthening the PP&PS will not only benefit the department but will also contribute to the overall improvement of Punjab’s criminal justice system, promoting rehabilitation and societal reintegration for offenders.
Nosheen Rasheed
Probation Office
Model Town Courts Lahore
Home Department
