Rs 100 Cr of jail expansion in J&K

Under centrally sponsored scheme, in between Rs.75 to Rs.100 crores were being spent on modernization and jail expansion programme in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to sources the above mentioned amount would be spent on the construction of new jail buildings in Bandipore, Ramban, Doda and Kulgam. Once these buildings co all the districts, expect that of Ganderbal and Budgam, will have jails. According to sources since the Budgam and Ganderbal were close to Srinagar district it has been felt that there is no need for construction of new jail buildings.
On the construction of jail buildings at Anantnag, Pulwama, Kupwara and Kargil, the Government spent Rs.25 crores and these jail buildings are to be completed shortly.
Besides the construction of these four jails, money has been spent on the improvement of facilities and infrastructure in the existing jails.
Under phase-II scheme emphasis on rehabilitation of prisoners would be laid and the Government (sources said) wanted that prisoners after their release were able to lead a peaceful and purposeful life so each prisoner would be imparted vocational training.
To lay stress on imparting computer handling training to the prisoners has also been decided.
The scope for carpentry and other traders was limited whereas the IT sector had large scope and hence prisoners, after receiving training in computer handling and programming, would be able to get suitable jobs after their release.

Under the modernization programme each jail would have infrastructure required for providing recreation to the jail inmates. The basic purpose of constructing new jails is to ensure speedy trial of convicts at the nearest places. It had been found that the detainees had to waste a long period before they were produced in the Trial Courts. The reason is they had to be moved from distant places to the district headquarters where the Courts existed. Also, it was found that a detainee being carried from Kupwara to Baramullah Courts involved time and security risk.