The central government is planning to decongest the jails in Maharashtra. As a part of this plan, the government came up with the Support For Poor Prisoners Scheme. Under this scheme, they will enable 574 prisoners languishing in state prisons to secure bail.
In this scheme, the government will be investing INR 1.60 crore. To decongest the existing jails in this state, the government is building new prisons in Palghar, Ahmednagar, and Hingoli districts.
The Maharashtra government established a five-member Empowered Committee earlier this month at the district level to oversee the execution of the Central government's bail scheme for low-income, socially disadvantaged, and less-educated prisoners. For those who have been convicted but are unable to pay the fine or obtain bail because of financial difficulties, the Centre has decided to provide bail.
An official from the Prison Department said it has been noted that giving inmates financial assistance to cover their fines or obtain bail will enable them to leave prison and reintegrate into society as law-abiding individuals. To ensure the effective execution of the aforementioned plan, established protocols and standard operating procedures have been created.
The official from the Prison Department also shared details about the recent initiatives taken by the department. He said that in 14 of the state's jails, CCTV camera installation is now underway. They would also install CCTV systems in the state's remaining jails after the current task of CCTV installation is finished. Additionally, they are attempting to establish a cashless canteen for prisoners in Maharashtra's jails, modelled after the jails in Tihar and Haryana.
Issues Caused By Overcrowding Of Jails:
Presently, Maharashtra has 60 jails. The combined capacity of all jails is approximately 25,000 prisoners. However, there are 42,000 prisoners in all prisons, surpassing the accommodation capacity.
Overcrowding of jails is causing health issues among the inmates as well. Skin illnesses among prisoners have increased as a result of extreme overcrowding. The Maharashtra State Prison Department has installed washing machines in jails for the first time in an effort to reduce skin infections.
The Yerwada Central Prison in Pune is now the first prison in the state equipped with laundry facilities for prisoners. As of now, 193 washing machines have been ordered by all jails.
Law And Order Problems:
As stated by officials, jail overpopulation raises the risk of issues with law and order. A murder was reported on the grounds of the Yerwada jail last month. Yerwada Prison houses roughly 1200 prisoners who have been charged under the severe Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). Superintendents of jails have been requested to place gangsters who are charged with MPDA, terrorism, and naxalism in separate rooms.
Jail Staff Hiring:
An official said that they have received sanction for the recruitment of 2000 more jail staff, mostly constables. Currently, their strength is 5200, including all constables and officers.
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