Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan recently announced a sweeping series of reforms designed to bring the state’s prison system into the modern age. The ambitious plan focuses on significantly improving security measures and upgrading the infrastructure across all correctional facilities.
This announcement comes in the wake of the highly publicized escape of Govindachamy, a convict in a rape-and-murder case, from Kannur Central Prison. Addressing the Assembly, Mr. Vijayan confirmed that advanced electric fences have now been fully implemented and are operational at the central prisons in Thiruvananthapuram, Kannur, and Viyyur, as well as the High-Security Prison and Women’s Prison, both located in Viyyur. Prison Superintendents have received strict directives to ensure these security systems are continuously monitored and remain in peak working condition.
Modernizing Facilities
The Chief Minister acknowledged that many of Kerala’s existing prisons are outdated and are in dire need of modernization to meet contemporary standards. While some incremental improvements have been made over time, he emphasized the necessity of more substantial reforms to effectively tackle persistent challenges, particularly chronic overcrowding.
To alleviate these capacity issues, the government intends to creatively re-purpose existing structures and construct new annexes. Plans are already in motion to expand the women’s prison at Attakulangara in Thiruvananthapuram and the Central Prison at Poojappura, collectively adding nearly 300 inmate spaces. There’s also a proposal to relocate the women’s prison closer to the main Central Prison premises for better operational synergy.
Ongoing Renovation Efforts
Beyond new constructions, renovation efforts are actively progressing at the Alappuzha District Jail, which, once completed, will be able to accommodate an additional 150 inmates. Similarly, the Idukki District Jail at Muttom is slated to gain capacity for another 100 inmates in the near future.
A pivotal part of the government’s strategy is the establishment of a brand-new central prison in either Kottayam or Pathanamthitta. Mr. Vijayan highlighted that situating a central prison in the state’s central region would be a strategic move to significantly reduce the burden of overcrowding on existing facilities.
Furthermore, the government is committed to implementing and expanding videoconferencing facilities across all prisons. This technological upgrade aims to drastically reduce the need for physically transporting prisoners, thereby enhancing security and efficiency. Efforts are also underway to house inmates in facilities geographically closer to their respective courts, further streamlining legal proceedings and reducing logistical complexities.