Minister rules out prisoner release before term

Puducherry, Oct 22 (UNI) Puducherry Home Minister E Valsaraj today ruled out the possibility of releasing convicted prisoners on special occasions similar to Tamil Nadu and other states.

Talking to newspersons after hearing to the grievances of the prisoners at the new Central Prison at Kalapet, Mr Valsaraj said it was not possible to release prisoners before completion of term as Puducherry was a Union Territory.

He said secuirty at the jail where currently 281 prisoners were lodged had been strengthened.

The prisoners would be trained in agriculture with the assistance of the Pondicherry University.

They could cultivate vegetables on the premises itself to cater to the daily requirements of 20 kg.

Stating mobile jammer, video conferencing facility and CCTVs would be provided at the prison shortly, he said those who wished to learn computer operations would be trained with the help of Indian Reserve Battalion Personnel while others would be taught book binding and tailoring.

For recreation, events such as volleyball, carrom and chess would be arranged for the inmates.

UNI PAB ROY GM SB SB KN1643