Orissa seeks Rs 311 crore Central assistance for jail reform

Bhubaneswar, May 31 (UNI) The Orissa government today sought Central assistance of Rs 311 crore for implementation of second phase of jail reforms in the state.

The state government made the demand to a three-member Parliament Sub-Committee on modernisation of prison reform, visting the state to review the progress of jail reform.

The committee was headed by Mr Navin Jindal. The other members of the committee were Mr Ashok Pradhan and Mr Tapir Gao.

The first phase of reform was done from 2002 to 2007 with Rs 107.40 crore at the ratio of 75: 25.

Emphasis was given to solve the problem of overcrowding by constructing new jails and adding new wards to the existing ones.

As many as 21 new jails and 65 new wards were under construction and most of them were nearing completion.

Mr Jindal visited the Nimapara Sub-Jail and Puri district jail and expressed his satisfaction over the cent per cent utilisation of Central fund in the fist phase of reform.

Official sources said in the second phase of reform the government sought Rs 311 crore for construction of jail buildings, office buildings, accommodation for custodial and correctional staff medicare and santitation, security arrangement and vehicles.

During a meeting with the officials the Committee suggested the government to strengthen the security system in jails in view of the rising Naxalite problems in the state, to provide vocational training to the inmates to enable them to lead a dignified life after they were released from jail and ensure hundred per cent litercy in jail.

They also sugested the government to enhance the wage of jail inmates to more than Rs 50 per day and develop sports activities inside the jail.

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