Prison Reform / Odisha Prison Board Proposes Model Prisons, Open-Air Jails

Bhubaneswar, Jul 21: The Odisha Government has outlined a comprehensive roadmap to modernise the state’s prison system, with proposals to construct three new model prisons, strengthen correctional facilities, and expand inmate welfare initiatives, officials said on Tuesday.

The plans were discussed at the fourth meeting of the Prison Development Board (PDB), chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. The board reviewed prison functioning and deliberated on measures to improve infrastructure, security, and rehabilitation.

According to the official statement, new model prisons will be built in Bhubaneswar, Jajpur, and Bhadrak districts. The board also proposed increasing diet costs and wages, introducing night meals, and ensuring safe drinking water to improve living conditions for inmates.

In a significant move, the government is considering setting up de-addiction centres inside prisons and establishing a dedicated mental health institute at Choudwar Jail in Cuttack district. The board also discussed increasing the sanctioned strength of prison guarding staff and opening more open-air jails to support rehabilitation and correctional administration.

Over the past year, several initiatives have been implemented to enhance prison security, including AI-enabled CCTV systems with video analytics in 20 jails, strengthened perimeter walls, deployment of modern security equipment, creation of prison intelligence units, and regular security audits.

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On the welfare front, yoga instructors and mental health counsellors were engaged, 96 micro-industries were set up, vocational training expanded, and prison-made products were standardised and branded. Legal aid and educational programmes were also strengthened to prepare inmates for reintegration into society.

Constituted in 2022, the Prison Development Board comprises nine secretaries, the Director General of Prisons, and the Director of Correctional Services. Officials said the latest roadmap reflects Odisha’s commitment to balancing prison security with humane rehabilitation measures.