Bhubaneswar, July 21: Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Tuesday chaired the fourth meeting of the Prison Development Board (PDB). Various issues including modernisation of jail infrastructure and safety and security of inmates were discussed in the meeting.

There are 86 jails in the State. 

The Prison Development Board (PDB) was constituted in 2022 under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, with nine Secretaries and the Director General of Prisons & Director of Correctional Services, as member.

According to an official release, various new initiatives undertaken by the Prison Directorate during the last one year to augment the security of prisons were discussed.

It was informed that AI Camera base CCTV system with Video Analytics have already been installed in 20 jails while steps have taken to increase height of Perimeter wall with concertina wire and other security related infrastructure projects.

Use of Modern Security Gadgets Like Drone, Body Worn Cameras, HHMD, DFMD, Deep Search Metal Detector, Non-liner Junction Detector (for mobile phone) etc were also discussed.

The Chief Secretary emphasised establishment of prison intelligence units in jails and engagement of more convict prisoners in Internal Security duties and enforcement of Telephone Call facilities by inmates as per Prison Manual, restricting to two calls of four-minutes duration each per week.

Periodic Security audit and surprise check by Senior Prison Officers, District Police/ Intelligence Teams and other regular visit by District Legal Aid Authority, District Judge and Judges of High Court were also discussed.

The Chief Secretary also directed stringent disciplinary action against all lapses and dereliction in duty.

Various other initiative taken for better living condition and reintegration of inmates to the society on their release, during last one year were also discussed. The initiatives include introduction of dedicated Yoga trainers in jails, dedicated Mental Health Counselors, installation of 96 Micro Industry for keeping the inmates engaged in productive activities, special drive for Skill Upgradation and Vocational training, standardization and branding of Prison products, special Medicinal Plantation Project in Open Air Jail, Jamujhari, Special drive for ensuring filling of appeal petition in High Court and SLP in Supreme Court for the inmates, Special drive for apprehending all escaped prisoner and Parole/Furlough and jumpers since 2000, Special Educational drive for inmates.

The meeting also discussed infrastructure development, including construction of new Model Prison in Bhubaneswar, Jajpur and Bhadrak, prisoners’ welfare and better living condition like prisoner’s diet cost, night food, Pure and safe drinking water provision, Prisoners wages, De-Addiction center inside the jail, establish of Mental Health institute at Choudwar Jail, Cuttack.

Other developmental aspects of Prisons Administration including enhancement of sanction strength of guarding staff, opening of more Open-Air Jails were also discussed.