Bhubaneswar, July 21 (IANS) The Odisha Government on Tuesday held detailed discussions on a roadmap to modernise the state’s prisons, with plans to construct three new model prisons, establish de-addiction and mental health facilities inside jails, increase prison guarding staff strength and open more open-air prisons for the inmates.
According to an official statement, the said proposals were discussed at the fourth meeting of the Prison Development Board (PDB), chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.
The board reviewed the functioning of prisons and discussed measures to improve prison infrastructure, security and inmate welfare.
The government in the official statement further added that the board discussed the construction of new model prisons in Bhubaneswar, Jajpur and Bhadrak districts. It also deliberated on improving living conditions for inmates by increasing diet costs and wages, providing night meals and ensuring access to safe drinking water in prisons.
The meeting also considered setting up de-addiction centres inside prisons and establishing a dedicated mental health institute at Choudwar Jail in Kataka district. Besides, it discussed increasing the sanctioned strength of prison guarding staff and opening more open-air jails to strengthen correctional administration and support the rehabilitation of inmates. The board reviewed several initiatives taken over the past year to enhance prison security.
These included the installation of AI-enabled CCTV systems with video analytics in 20 jails, strengthening perimeter walls, deployment of modern security equipment, creation of prison intelligence units and regular security audits. It also took stock of measures aimed at improving inmate welfare and preparing prisoners for their return to society.
During the year, yoga instructors and mental health counsellors were engaged in prisons, 96 micro-industries were set up, vocational training was expanded and prison-made products were standardised and branded.
The department also strengthened legal aid and educational programmes for inmates. It is worth noting that the Prison Development Board, constituted in 2022 under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, comprises nine secretaries and the Director General of Prisons and Director of Correctional Services as its members.
–IANS
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