In a significant move to enhance security within Maharashtra’s central jails, the state government has unveiled plans for the installation of modern security systems. The Mumbai Central Prison, Taloja Central Jail, Yerwada Central Jail, and Thane Jail are the four correctional facilities set to benefit from the introduction of advanced CCTV cameras and body scanners.
The Home Department of Maharashtra has provided administrative approval for the procurement of these security devices, marking a crucial step toward fortifying security infrastructure in state prisons. This decision aligns with a directive from the Bombay High Court in 2017, following a public interest petition addressing security concerns within correctional facilities. The court mandated the state government to ensure the perfection of the security system in central jails.
Since the court’s directive in 2017, the government has prioritized the modernization of security systems across state prisons. The Project Implementation Committee of the State Jail Sub-Division has now given the green light for the procurement process of essential equipment in the identified central jails.
Administrative approval has been granted for a total expenditure of ₹23.56 crore for the purchase of CCTV cameras and ₹9.12 crore for body scanners. This financial allocation underscores the government’s commitment to investing in state-of-the-art security infrastructure for correctional facilities. The procurement process is set to commence shortly, marking a crucial step forward in bolstering security measures within the specified central jails.
