mha.nic.in Modernisation of Prison Scheme : Ministry of Home Affairs

Organization : Ministry of Home Affairs
Scheme Name : Scheme of Modernization of Prisons
Details Here : https://www.statusin.in/uploads/22448-MPrison.pdf
Home Page : http://mha.nic.in/scheme

Scheme of Modernisation of Prisons

‘Prisons’ is a State subject under State List of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. The management and administration of Prisons falls exclusively in the domain of the State Governments, and is governed by the Prisons Act, 1894 and the Prison Manuals of the respective State Governments.

Related : MHA Kabir Puraskar Scheme : www.statusin.in/22180.html

Thus, States have the primary role, responsibility and authority to change the current prison laws, rules and regulations. However, with a view to reduce overcrowding in jails, Government of India started a Non-Plan Scheme namely “Modernization of Prisons” in 2002-03 in 27 states for five years, with an outlay of Rs.1800 crore on a cost sharing basis in the ratio of 75:25 between the Central and State Governments respectively.

The components of the scheme were :
(a) Construction of additional prisons to reduce overcrowding;
(b) Repair and renovation of existing prisons and construction of additional barracks;
(c) Improvement in sanitation and water supply; and
(d) Living accommodation for prison personnel.

2. The scheme was extended for two years without additional funds to enable the State Governments to complete their activities by 31.3.2009. The scheme has now ceased to exist on 31.3.2009.

3. As per the report received for the period ending September, 2011, 119 new jails, 1572 additional barracks in the existing prisons and 8568 staff quarters for the prison personnel have been constructed by the State Governments under the scheme.

Almost entire work relating to water and sanitation has been completed by the State Government. The State Governments have so far utilized 98.38% of fund released to them.

4. A statement showing release of funds to the State Governments under the scheme is enclosed.
5. Active monitoring through regular review meetings has been initiated.

The last meeting was held on 16.9.2011 under the Chairmanship of AS(CS) with all States/UTs on the following agenda items :

(i) Present update on condition of Jails in the States/UTs in terms of infrastructural growth and inmate facilities & overcrowding;
(ii) Present status of financial and physical progress by the States in the first phase of Scheme of Modernisation of Prisons.

(iii) Compliance by States/UTs to various advisories issued by MHA particularly with regard to women prisoners and children of women convicts, overcrowding, security of prisons etc.
(iv) Adverse media reporting on condition of jails in certain States.

(v) Identification of components/scheme by 8 States which have been allocated funds by the 13th Finance Commission for upgradation of prisons.
(vi) Identification of components for focus and allocation of funds in the 12th Five Year Plan for the second phase of the Scheme of Modernisation of Prisons.

Department of Border Management :
Department of Border Management, dealing with management of borders, including coastal borders, strengthening of border guarding and creation of related infrastructure, border areas development, etc