"Since Gadchiroli falls in Naxal area we are taking extra security measures in that district," said a senior government officer.
The over crowded prisons in Maharashtra will get a breathing space, as, the state government is set to start three new prisons at Nandurbar, Sindhudurg and Gadchiroli. Highly placed sources confirmed that the prisons at Nandurbar and Sindhudurg infact have already been made functional. The one at Gadchiroli is however likely to take another month or so.
"Since Gadchiroli falls in Naxal area we are taking extra security measures in that district," said a senior government officer.
Excluding the three new jails, Maharashtra has 50 jails with a total capacity of 25,000 prisoners. However, at present they house close to 27,000 inmates which takes the strength to 110% of the capacity. The three new jails have a capacity of 500 each which will leave the jails with only 500 more inmates than the capacity. Besides, a recent Supreme Court order lifting stay from remission or commutation of sentence has also paved the way for state to let go some inmates. A 100 odd prisoners have already walked out of Maharashtra prisons in last one week. By end of the year upto 500 are expected to go home.
Sources said the newly constructed jails will primarily house convicts or under trials who have cases pending in or around that district. "Under trials need to visit court frequently for hearings hence someone who has a case in Mumbai cannot be shifted out of the Arthur road jail. The same law applies everywhere else," the officer added. At present the jails have a ratio of 60:40 for under trials and convicts.
Sources said the infrastructure for the first two jails was ready by July end and most of the things were put in place by mid – August. "As of now we are in process of shifting inmates to the new jails. At Gadchiroli some finishing work like lighting and appointing staff is underway and is expected to be completed soon," the officer said.
Giving more space
Existing number of total prisons: 50
Number of new prisons: 03
Number of central prisons: 09
Total capacity of existing prisons: 25,000
Total existing strength of prisons: 27,000
Total strength of new prisons: 1,500 (500 each)
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