Modernisation of Prisons Project: MHA to aid states to procure body cameras for prison staff, mobile jammers for jail

What is the News?

The Ministry of Home Affairs has released guidelines for the implementation of the Modernisation of Prisons Project.

Note: ‘Prisons’ is a State subject under the State List of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. Hence, the management and administration of Prisons falls exclusively in the domain of the State Governments.

What is the Modernisation of Prisons Project?

Launched by: Ministry of Home Affairs

Objectives of the Project:

– Filling the existing gaps in the security infrastructure of jails.

– Providing new security equipments to jails in line with modern-day technologies,

– Strengthening the jail security system through security equipment like Door frames/ Metal Detectors/ Security Poles, Baggage Scanners/Search/Jamming Solutions.

– Focus on correctional administration: This includes bringing attitudinal change in the mindset of prison officials handling inmates through extensive training and by introducing appropriate programs for inmates for their skill development and rehabilitation.

Duration of the Project: 5 Years (2021-22 to 2025-26).

Implementation of the Project

Under the project, the Ministry of Home Affairs will offer grants in aid to the states for a period of five years

These grants can be used for upgrading Video Conference Infrastructure, buying body-worn cameras, Door frames/ Metal Detectors/ Security Poles and developing correctional programmes including counselling/ therapies/ vocational training etc.

The grants may also be utilized for setting up small industrial units in jails, which will provide an opportunity for labour to the inmates and generate revenue for jails.

However, the release of grants under the project in subsequent years will be based on utilization certificates furnished by the states in respect of funds released during the previous years.

Source: This post is based on the article “Modernisation of Prisons Project: MHA to aid states to procure body cameras for prison staff, mobile jammers for jail” published in TOI on 11th April 2022.