BHUBANESWAR, Odisha – The Directorate of Prisons in Odisha has announced plans to construct four new jails as part of an effort to address overcrowding and improve facilities for inmates. The expansion will include three new jails in Bhoipali (Sambalpur), Jajpur, and Bhadrak, each designed to house 500 inmates. Currently, the jails in Jajpur and Bhadrak have much smaller capacities, accommodating only 133 and 201 prisoners, respectively.
This move comes after the Supreme Court’s directive earlier this year, urging states and union territories to create long-term plans for managing prison populations over the next 50 years. As part of the expansion, the special jail in Jharpada will be relocated to Jamujhari, where its capacity will be increased from 991 to 2,500 inmates.
While Odisha’s total prison capacity is 23,526, the current inmate population stands at 17,185 as of October 31. Despite this, overcrowding remains a significant issue, particularly in the special jail in Bhubaneswar, along with two or three other facilities. Arun Kumar Ray, Director General of Prisons, explained, “Though the overall accommodation capacity in the state is 23,526, we are facing overcrowding problems in a few jails.”
Upgrades and Expansions to Address Growing Needs
In addition to the new jails, the state will upgrade sub-jails in Malkangiri and Bargarh to full district jails. Furthermore, the construction of additional wards with a total capacity of 1,125 inmates is underway in 13 existing jails. These projects are expected to be completed by 2026-2027, which will significantly increase the state’s overall prison capacity and help manage the growing inmate population.
Focus on Inmate Health and Well-Being
Alongside infrastructure improvements, the Prisons Directorate is prioritizing the mental and physical health of inmates. Currently, 90 pharmacists have been deployed across various jails to manage the health needs of prisoners. Additionally, 21 male and 20 female nursing orderlies have been hired on an outsourcing basis to provide care for sick inmates.
To further enhance healthcare services, medical officers from sub-divisional and district headquarters hospitals are visiting major jails weekly to conduct specialized health check-ups for prisoners. The state has also equipped all major jails with ambulances to handle medical emergencies and transport ill inmates to hospitals. Previously, there were 15 ambulances, but the state government has approved 30 more ambulances this financial year to ensure that health emergencies are swiftly addressed.
These combined efforts aim to improve both the capacity and care provided in Odisha’s prison system, addressing overcrowding and enhancing the overall health and well-being of incarcerated individuals.
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