The number of inmates in 60 jails in the state has increased eight times and this has become a matter of concern for the state government. While there is a national norm of at least one guard for every six inmates, this norm is not followed in the state prisons. In this background, it has been decided to create and recruit two thousand new posts, as per the report by Loksatta.
There are a total of 60 prisons in the state including 9 central, 28 district, one juvenile reformatory, one female, 19 open, and one open colony. While the capacity of these prisons are 25,393 inmates, currently there are more than 41,000 inmates. About 16,000 prisoners are more. A framework of 5,068 posts has been sanctioned for monitoring them and prison service. At present 4,194 posts are filled. Hence, the paradox of over-inmates and under-staffing continues since 2006. In general, the national norm is to require one guard for every six inmates. Due to this, it has become difficult for the prison administration to keep an eye on the prisoners.
Ruchi Kakkad of Kandivali KES Law College visited the jails in Mumbai in July 2019. She complained to the State Human Rights Commission on July 25 that the number of additional detentions in this jail was more than the official detention. The Commission took note of it and directed the Director General of Police to submit a status report. At that time, this contradiction has been found and the commission has made it clear that there is a need to take immediate measures.
Six thousand posts disapproved
Overcrowded and understaffed prisons often make it difficult to accommodate inmates. The Prisons Department had submitted a proposal to create 6,000 posts, but the Finance Department expressed its inability to sanction so many posts. As per the new proposal, creation of 2328 posts was sought. A proposal has been made to create two thousand posts by reducing that too. Home Department Principal Secretary Dinesh Waghmare said that such a proposal has been submitted to the government.
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