New Delhi: The government has speeded up the plan to modernise prisons and constructing additional jails to overcome congestion.

According to a Home Ministry official, out of the total 168 new prisons proposed to be constructed across the country during the scheme, work on building 124 jails has already been completed.

"Around 1,543 additional barracks were constructed out of a total of 1,730 proposed under the modernisation of prisons scheme," he said.

The Union Government had in 2002-03 initiated a Rs 1,800-crore scheme on 75:25 basis for modernisation of jails with a view to de-congesting them and improving the condition of prisons, prisoners and prison personnel.

It had then decided to spend Rs 1034.60 crores for construction of jails, Rs 284.60 crore for expansion and renovation, Rs 465.10 crore for staff quarters and Rs 48.20 crore for sanitation and others basic infrastructural works.

"As many as 8,465 staff quarters have also been constructed during the scheme out of the proposed 8,965 houses," the official added.

The government has also planned to acquire modern gadgets to strengthen security in and around prisons.

"The Ministry has decided to increase electronic surveillance in the entire prison campus, including cells, under camera surveillance without intruding into the privacy of inmates," he said.
Source : PTI