Question : MODERNISATION OF PRISON ADMINISTRATION

(a) whether the Government has introduced schemes for modernization and infrastructure development of the prisons;

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the funds granted and utilized, State-wise, including Rajasthan;

(c) whether the Union Government has received any proposal from various State Governments with regard to modernization of prison administration phase-II, 2008-2013, for approval;

(d) if so, the details thereof, State-wise; and

(e) the time by which proposal is likely to be approved and funds released for the purpose?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI AJAY MAKEN)

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

STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.74 FOR 02-03-2010 REGARDING “MODERNIZATION OF PRISON ADMINISTRATION”

(a) & (b): ‘Prisons’ is a State subject under List-II of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. The management and administration of Prisons falls exclusively in the domain of the State Governments. However in order to supplement the efforts of State Governments, the Central Government had been providing financial assistance to the States in this area since 1987. During the period 1987-92 an amount of Rs.45 crore were released to States/Union Territories for all States/UTs put together under the non-plan scheme of the modernization of prison administration. From 1993, the said scheme was converted into a Plan Scheme and in the Eighth Plan an outlay of Rs.100 crore was agreed to for five years. A major scheme for prison modernization was started by the Central Government in 2002-03 in 27 states (except Arunachal Pradesh) as a Non- Plan scheme namely “Modernization of Prisons” with an outlay of Rs.1800 crore on a cost sharing basis in the ratio of 75:25 between the Central and State Governments respectively for construction of new prisons to reduce overcrowding, repair and renovation of existing prisons, improvement in sanitation and water supply and provide living accommodation for prison personnel. The scheme of modernization of prisons has now ceased to exist on 31-03-2009.

A statement showing release of funds to the State Governments, including the State of Rajasthan, along with utilization position is at Annexure-A.

(c) to (e): The proposals from various State Governments were received for providing further financial assistance under phase-II of Scheme of Modernization of Prisons. A statement showing details of proposals received from State Governments/UT administrations in this regard is at Annexure-B. The proposal for phase-II of the scheme was considered in consultation with Ministry of Finance. It was, however, decided in the Committee on Non Plan Expenditure (CNE) that the phase-II of the scheme be deferred for the time being owing to heavy commitment of Government of India on other important sectors.