Prison modernisation at a cost of Rs 21.52 crore

Bhubaneswar, Aug 17 (UNI) The Orissa government has granted Rs 21.52 crore for the modernisation of prisons to minimise the problem of overcrowding and improve the living conditions of the inmates.

Official sources here today said new sub-jails would be constructed and more wards would be added to existing jails. Steps would be taken to provide drinking water and ensure proper sanitation in the jail premises.

State Finance Minister Prafulla Chandra Ghadhei said during the current fiscal, 21 sub-jails, with a capacity to accommodate 6,300 prisoners and 59 wards, to house 4,225 prisoners, had been constructed.

Construction of latrines, staff quarters and water supply projects had also been taken up at a cost of Rs 107.4 crore during the current fiscal.

The government also planned to open new hospitals in 21 sub-jails and hike the budget for the health care of the prisoners, official sources said.

A review meeting, presided over by Mr Ghadhei yesterday, decided to give a special allowance of Rs 100 to jail employees which would cost the state exchequer Rs 25 lakh per annum.

UNI