Grant for prison modernisation unchanged at Rs 300 crore

The allocation for the modernisation of prisons has been kept untouched in the Budget at Rs 300 crore.

The move is surprising, considering the fact that the Home Ministry has been highlighting the significance of an efficient prison management system.

It has been seeking to decongest prisons by urging states to release those who have completed half of their designated jail terms.

In her Budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the grant was meant for the “modernisation of prisons”.

In 2024-25, the government had initially made a provision of Rs 300 crore for prison modernisation, but it was later revised to Rs 75 crore.

A sum of Rs 86.95 crore was given for the modernisation of prisons during 2023-24.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has repeatedly reiterated the need for an efficient prison management due to the significance of prisons in the criminal justice system.