Question : Modernisation of Prisons

(a) whether the Government has released funds for modernisation of Central and State prisons during the XI Five Year Plan period in the country and if so, the total funds granted/released and utilized during the said period, State/UT-wise;

(b) the details of projects undertaken for modernisation and upgradation of prisons in the country during the said plan period, State/UT-wise;

(c) whether the entire amount allocated by the 13th Finance Commission had been released to the States, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) the details of modernisation of projects undertaken/proposed to be taken up in the prisons in various prisons of the country during the current Five Year Plan period, State/UT-wise; and

(e) the manner in which the Government provides assistance to the States for modernisation/upgradation of prisons in the absence of specific budget allocation?

Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs
(SHRI HARIBHAI PARATHIBHAI CHAUDHARY)

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L.S.US.Q.NO. 2517 FOR 04.08.2015

(a)&(b) A non-plan scheme namely “Modernization of Prisons” was launched by the Government of India in 2002-03 in 27 states (except Arunachal Pradesh) with an outlay of Rs.1800 crore on a cost sharing ratio of 75:25 between the Central and State Governments. The scheme of modernization of prisons ended on 31.3.2009. A Statement of funds released, unspent balance and work undertaken by the States is at Annexure.

(c) The grant for prisons under State Specific Needs under the 13th Finance Commission was to be released in four installments from 2011-2015. Out of total allocation of Rs. 609 crore to eight States viz., Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Orissa and Tripura, based on the proposals and utilization certificates furnished by the States an amount of Rs. 402.79 crore was released to the concerned States.

(d)to(e) ‘Prisons’ is a State subject under List II of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution and, therefore, prison administration is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments. However, to consolidate the gains of the first phase of modernization of prisons scheme which ended on 31.3.2009, a follow up scheme known as the second phase of modernization of prisons was considered by the Government of India for which proposals from States/UTs were received. As no funds have been earmarked for the scheme, the second phase of Prison Modernisation Scheme has not been launched.
However, a consolidated Memorandum was submitted by the Ministry of Home Affairs to the Fourteenth Finance Commission for consideration which included the demands projected by the States/UTs amounting to Rs. 13,962.60 crore for prison reforms in the second phase of modernization of prisons. The 14th Finance Commission has observed that in view of the improved outlay for States now, there is appropriate fiscal space to provide for additional expenditure needed for their requirements. The 14th Finance Commission has not made any specific fund allocation in favour of Central Government for this purpose. Therefore, with appropriate prioritization, the States/UTs should be able to meet the proposed expenditure on modernisation of jails.

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