Bhubaneswar, July 22 (UDN): The Odisha government has reviewed an extensive roadmap to modernise the state’s prison system, with a strong emphasis on strengthening security through technology while expanding welfare and rehabilitation programmes for inmates.

The initiatives were discussed during the fourth meeting of the Prison Development Board (PDB), chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, where officials assessed the progress of prison reforms and outlined future priorities for the state’s 86 correctional institutions.

AI Surveillance, Drones Among Security Measures

A key focus of the meeting was enhancing prison security through advanced technology.

Officials informed the board that AI-enabled CCTV surveillance systems with video analytics have already been installed in 20 prisons. The government is now planning to further strengthen surveillance by introducing drones, body-worn cameras, handheld and door-frame metal detectors, deep-search metal detectors, and non-linear junction detectors capable of detecting concealed electronic devices such as mobile phones.

The board also reviewed ongoing works to raise prison boundary walls and reinforce them with concertina wire and other security infrastructure to prevent escape attempts.

Chief Secretary Calls for Stronger Prison Intelligence

Chief Secretary Anu Garg directed officials to establish dedicated prison intelligence units across correctional facilities to improve monitoring and prevent security breaches.

She also stressed strict adherence to the Prison Manual governing inmates’ telephone access, under which prisoners are permitted two phone calls per week, each limited to four minutes.

Emphasising accountability, she instructed prison authorities to initiate stringent disciplinary action in cases of negligence or security lapses.

Greater Oversight and Regular Audits

The meeting also discussed measures to strengthen institutional oversight through periodic security audits, surprise inspections by senior prison officials, police and intelligence teams, as well as regular visits by district judges, the District Legal Services Authority and High Court judges.

These measures are aimed at improving transparency and ensuring effective prison administration.

Focus on Rehabilitation and Welfare

Alongside security reforms, the board reviewed several initiatives designed to improve inmates’ living conditions and support their rehabilitation.

These include:

• Appointment of yoga instructors and mental health counsellors.
• Expansion of skill development and vocational training programmes.
• Operation of 96 micro-industries inside prisons to provide inmates with productive employment.
• Branding and marketing of prison-made products.
• Educational initiatives and a medicinal plantation project at the Jamujhari Open Air Jail.

Officials also reviewed efforts to facilitate legal aid for eligible prisoners by helping them file appeals before the High Court and Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) in the Supreme Court.

New Model Prisons Planned

The board discussed plans to establish new model prisons in Bhubaneswar, Jajpur and Bhadrak as part of the state’s infrastructure expansion programme.

Other proposals under consideration include improving prisoners’ diet, providing night meals, ensuring access to safe drinking water, revising inmate wages, establishing de-addiction centres within prisons and setting up a dedicated mental health institute at Choudwar Jail in Cuttack.

The meeting also reviewed plans to increase the sanctioned strength of prison personnel and expand the network of open-air jails across Odisha.

Constituted in 2022, the Prison Development Board is responsible for steering prison reforms in the state, with a focus on balancing robust security measures with rehabilitation, skill development and the overall welfare of inmates.