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Time of India

In short-term, Maha plans more barracks, bail reform to decongest jails

Nagpur: Alongside the infrastructure overhaul, the Maharashtra govt is implementing a multi-pronged short-term plan to reduce overcrowding in prisons. In a detailed affidavit submitted to the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission, inspector general of prisons, Jalindar Supekar, revealed a series of measures, including the construction of new barracks and bail relief for undertrial prisoners. The immediate focus is on barrack expansion within existing facilities, with several projects under way or recently approved. The affidavit, which was later submitted to the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court, disclosed that nine new barracks with a combined capacity of 200 inmates were sanctioned at Yerwada Central Prison in 2023-24. Additionally, 100-capacity barracks at Yerwada Open Women Prison and 200-capacity units at Yerwada Open Prison are under construction. These works are expected to be completed in the next six months. Similar expansion is under way at Nagpur Central Prison, Solapur, Satara, Yavatmal and Buldhana jails. These expansions will add 1,370 inmate spaces across the state. For 2025-26, proposals have been sent for 67 new barracks in 12 prisons, including facilities in Amravati, Chandrapur, Akola, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, Thane, Nashik Road and Kalyan. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo These units are expected to house an additional 2,754 inmates. The affidavit, submitted in response to a writ petition concerning prison reforms filed by Nanded-based undertrial Sachin Lone through counsel Ratna Singh, added that administrative approvals for these projects have been secured, and work is in various stages of progress. According to Supekar, the govt is committed to fast-tracking these projects to mitigate the immediate crisis of prisoner overcrowding and uphold human rights standards. Supekar's affidavit asserts that the combined efforts of barrack construction, undertrial bail reform, and remission benefits will collectively ease pressure on jails across Maharashtra.