Question : MODERNISATION OF PRISONS

(a) whether the Union Government proposes to roll out the second phase of the scheme of modernisation of prisons in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the State Government of Gujarat has fully utilised the funds allocated under the first phase of the scheme;

(d) if so, whether the State has requested for release of additional funds so as to complete the pending works taken up under the scheme; and

(e) if so, the reaction of the Union Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI R. P. N. SINGH)

(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (e) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 253 FOR 11TH DECEMBER, 2012.

(a) & (b): “ Prisons” is a State subject under Entry 4 of List II of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution. The management and administration of Prisons falls exclusively in the domain of the State Governments. The Government had implemented a scheme for Modernisation of Prisons from 2002-2007 for 27 States(except Arunachal Pradesh) with an outlay of Rs 1800 crore and the same closed on 31-3-2009. With a view to provide more funds for modernization of prisons and consolidate gains of the first phase of the Scheme , a proposal for second phase of the scheme for modernization of prisons is under consideration in this Ministry.

(c): Under the Modernisation of Prisons scheme 2002-2007 which ended on 31-3-2009, the Government of Gujarat was allocated Rs 65.88 cr. The State Government has fully utilized the funds and has constructed 10 jails, 81 barracks and 61 staff quarters as per the targets of the Modernisation of prisons scheme .

(d) to (e): The State Government of Gujarat had requested for additional funds amounting to Rs 51.15 cr in the year 2010 and 2012 to complete the pending projects of the scheme. However as the scheme was closed on 31-3-2009 and it was not extended, no further action was feasible.