The Maharashtra government issued a series of government resolutions (GRs) on Monday, April 6, approving major upgrades in prison infrastructure. The goal is to improve living conditions for inmates. This comes after the passing of the Maharashtra Prisons and Correctional Services Bill, 2025, on March 1. This bill replaces the Prisons Act of 1894 and the Prisoners Act of 1900.
Main Infrastructure Upgrades:
- The state has approved the purchase of video conferencing systems to enable prisoners to attend court hearings remotely in all courts and jails. The total estimated cost per unit setup is INR 22 lakh.
- The state approved the purchase of security equipment under the "Modernisation of Security Systems in Prisons” scheme. The approved items include baggage scanners and high mast poles, each costing INR 37 lakh. These measures are intended to prevent the entry of illegal items.
- The government has also approved the installation of water coolers with purifiers and RO+UV systems in prisons. Each unit is estimated at INR 2.10 lakh.
- The government has approved the purchase of machinery and equipment to support agricultural activities. It should be noted that around 300 hectares of land in state prisons is used for farming.
The new law focuses on rehabilitation of prisoners. It proposes open prisons to help inmates return to society. It also includes structured after-care services to support them after release. The bill introduces gender-sensitive provisions.
Key features of the bill:
- Grievance redressal system for inmates
- Ban on caste-based segregation in prison work
- Safety for prisoners with disabilities, including psychiatric and psychological care
- Separate wards for women in prison hospitals with pre-natal and post-natal care
- Special arrangements for transgender inmates
- Facilities such as libraries, sports, yoga, and recreational activities in prisons.
- Compensations for prisoners for the work.
The bill also focuses on security through these measures:
- Biometrics and RFID-based tracking
- CCTV surveillance and central monitoring
- Integration with the interoperable criminal justice system
- Watchtowers and quick-response teams
- Electronic tracking of parolees and furloughed prisoners
The bill provides for the classification of inmates into categories like undertrials, convicts, high-security prisoners, and young offenders. There will be separate arrangements for each category. There will also be undertrial review committees in every district.