Home Ministry drafting second phase of prison modernisation

Considering the "appalling condition" of prisons in the states, the Union Home Ministry has initiated the process of formulating the second phase of their modernisation. The move comes in the wake of demands of various states for granting further financial assistance for prison infrastructure and correctional administration

Considering the "appalling condition" of prisons in the states, the Union Home Ministry has initiated the process of formulating the second phase of their modernisation.

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The move comes in the wake of demands of various states for granting further financial assistance for prison infrastructure and correctional administration, a senior Home Ministry official said.

He said, "A much larger investment in this sector was required considering the appalling condition of prisons in the states, paucity of funds with the state governments and the dire need for improving the conditions of prisons, prisoners and prison staff."

Initially, Rs 1,800-crore scheme for modernisation of prison administration was launched by the Home Ministry in 2002-03 and was meant to be completed in five years. Since it started two years late, it was extended till 2008-09 with additional funds.

To ease pressure on jails, the Home Ministry has given approval for creation of 1,562 Fast Track Courts up to March 31, 2010, the official said, adding that so far over 10 lakh cases have been disposed of.