PUNE The state prison system is facing a severe overcrowding crisis, with over 40,485 inmates crammed into facilities originally designed to hold 26,377.
Data released by the state Bureau of Prisons reveals the severity of the situation, showing that the state’s prisons are operating at a 153% overcrowding rate.
According to data shared by the state prisons department, in 2016-17, a total of 31,214 inmates were housed in various prisons in the state against a capacity of 23,942.
Similarly, in 2017-18 there were a total of 32,927 prisoners against a capacity of 23,942, in 2018-19 there were a total of 36,366 prisoners against a capacity of 24,032, and in 2019-20 there were a total of 36,366 prisoners against a capacity of 24,032. A total of 35,746 people, a total of 36,816 inmates for a capacity of 24,722 in 2020-21, a total of 41,023 inmates for a 21-22 capacity of 25,393.
Commissioner of Police (Prisons) Amitabh Gupta said steps were being taken to increase the capacity of prisons to accommodate more inmates.
“Construction of new prisons is currently underway in Yerawada, Palghar, Ahmadnagar, Hingoli and Baramati. This will accommodate at least around 7,000 new inmates in the next few years,” it said. .
There are eight such prisons in the state, operating at a staggering overcrowding rate of more than 200%.
According to the state prisons department, Kalyan district jail has an overcrowding rate of 406%, followed by Thane Central Jail 377%, Mumbai Central Jail 373%, Buldhana District Jail 350%, Solapur District Jail 328%, Nanded District Jail 295% and Jalgaon District Jail. 260% and 237% in Yerawada Central Jail.
Deputy Inspector General (Prisons) Swati Sathe said, “The capacity and the proportion of inmates is increasing. As you can see, it depends on the crime rate. As the crime rate increases, this proportion also increases. You can see that.
“We are working to increase our intake capacity. Several new prisons are planned to be built and capacity is expected to increase in the coming years,” she said.
Overcrowding highlights a significant challenge in the state’s correctional system, with serious implications for the welfare and reintegration of inmates.
Overcrowding in prisons often leads to poor living conditions, increased tensions between prisoners, increased risk of violence, and difficulties in providing essential services and programs aimed at rehabilitating prisoners. .
Officials say prison overcrowding also highlights challenges within the criminal justice system, including issues with sentencing policies, bail procedures and access to legal representation.
