UP govt to take steps to reform prison security

Lucknow, June 26 (UNI) Taking serious note of yesterday's Sultanpur district jail clash, the Uttar Pradesh government is planning to take steps to prevent such incidents in future.

Talking to mediapersons here, chief secretary (home) J N Chamber said the state government has decided to pay an ex gratia of Rs one lakh each to the family members of the deceased jail guards.

Admitting the flaws in the system, he said most of the jails are overcrowded, which makes difficult, the vigil on each and every prisoner.

Talking about the corrupt jail officials and recovery of objectionable material inside the prisons, Mr Chamber noted there was a need to implement jail mannual strictly. ''Dicipline inside the jail has become need of the hour.'' Inquiry had been initiated and those guilty will be punished, while all the jail personnel had been directed to follow guidelines given in the jail manual seriously, he added.

According to him, the situation inside the Sultanpur district jail, at present, was under control.

The officials had been ordered to get the faulty jammers and CCTV cameras inside the prison repaired.

UNI