Bhubaneswar, 21 July (H.S.) The Odisha government has stepped up efforts to enhance prison security and inmate welfare, with a strong focus on modernization and rehabilitation, during the 4th meeting of the Prison Development Board held under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary Anu Garg .
Constituted in 2022, the Board comprises nine Secretaries along with the Director General of Prisons and the Director of Correctional Services. The meeting reviewed key initiatives undertaken over the past year to bolster security across jails in the state.
Officials informed that AI-enabled CCTV systems with video analytics have already been installed in 20 prisons. Measures such as increasing the height of perimeter walls with concertina wire and upgrading security infrastructure are also underway. To further strengthen surveillance, modern equipment including drones, body-worn cameras, handheld and door frame metal detectors (HHMD, DFMD), deep search metal detectors, and non-linear junction detectors for mobile phone detection have been deployed.
Prison intelligence units have been set up, and selected convict prisoners are being engaged in internal security duties. The Board also reiterated strict adherence to regulated telephone facilities for inmates, limiting them to two calls of four minutes each per week. Regular security audits and surprise inspections are being conducted by senior prison officials, district police, and intelligence agencies.
Judicial oversight continues through regular visits by the District Legal Services Authority, District Judges, and High Court judges. The Board emphasized stringent disciplinary action in cases of negligence or dereliction of duty.
Alongside security measures, the meeting highlighted initiatives aimed at improving inmate welfare and rehabilitation. A total of 118 yoga trainers have been deployed across 74 jails, while 61 mental health counsellors are serving in 36 prisons. Additionally, 96 micro-industries have been established to engage inmates in productive activities.
In 2025, a special skill development drive trained 1,636 prisoners in various vocational trades. Efforts are also underway to standardize and brand prison-made products. The Board noted the progress of a medicinal plantation project at the Open Air Jail in Jamujhari.
Legal support initiatives include a special drive for filing appeals in higher courts, with 2,418 appeals and 256 Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) filed so far. Authorities are also conducting a statewide drive to track and apprehend escaped prisoners and parole or furlough violators since 2000.
Under educational programmes, 218 inmates successfully completed courses ranging from matriculation to postgraduate levels through institutions such as NIOS, IGNOU, and OSOU during 2025–26.
The Board also reviewed infrastructure development plans, including the construction of new model prisons in Bhubaneswar, Jajpur, and Bhadrak. Discussions were held on improving living conditions through measures such as revision of diet costs, provision of night meals, safe drinking water supply, fair wages, establishment of de-addiction centres, and setting up a mental health institute at Choudwar Jail in Cuttack.
Further deliberations included enhancing the sanctioned strength of prison staff and expanding the network of open air jails.
Reaffirming its commitment, the Prison Development Board emphasized a balanced approach—strengthening security while ensuring humane conditions, reform, and reintegration of inmates into society.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
