The Maharashtra Assembly on Friday (December 20, 2024) passed a Bill seeking to reform the prison system in the State.
Also read: Comment |The long fight for accessibility, dignity in Indian prisons
The Maharashtra Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2024, is based on the Model Prisons Bill, 2023, sent by the Centre to the States, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told the House.
A high-security prison and detention centre will be set up in Mumbai, while a new prison being built in Pune will be a two-storey facility, he added. A plot of land has been finalised for the new prison in Mumbai, the CM said.
As many as 1,600 accused who have got bail continue to stay in prison in the State for the lack of money to pay for bail bond, he added.
The Bill provides for categories of prisons such as special prison, open prison for women, temporary prison and open colony. Open prisons and open colonies will help with rehabilitation and reintegration of former jail inmates after their release, Mr. Fadnavis said. The Bill also provides for the constitution of a ‘prison and correctional prison force’. A welfare fund for the staff and another fund for the prisoners is also an important feature, the CM said.
Published – December 21, 2024 06:28 am IST
