Hyderabad: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Wednesday announced that the Central government has allocated ₹950 crore for prison modernisation in India. He said the plan focuses on upgrading security, improving inmate welfare, and strengthening rehabilitation efforts.
He addressed the 9th National Conference of Prison Officers in Visakhapatnam. According to the minister, the Narendra Modi-led government remains committed to building modern prison infrastructure. Of the total allocation, ₹101.45 crore is set aside for the 2025–26 financial year.
Prison modernisation India moves toward tech-based reforms
The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) and the Andhra Pradesh Prisons and Correctional Services Department jointly hosted the two-day conference. Key participants included BPR&D Director Alok Ranjan, AP Prisons DG Anjani Kumar, Telangana Prisons DG Soumya Mishra, and senior officials from multiple states.
Bandi Sanjay urged departments to implement the Model Prison Manual – 2016 and the Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023. He also recommended using technologies such as Aadhaar verification, video conferencing, and telemedicine to improve prison operations.
He highlighted the Centre’s Support Scheme for Poor Prisoners, which receives ₹20 crore annually. So far, the scheme has helped 237 inmates across 16 states and union territories.
Since 1997, BPR&D has conducted 701 training sessions. These have trained 15,875 prison officers in reforms aligned with rights-based corrections.
Stronger Centre–State coordination needed for reform success
Although prison management is a State responsibility, Bandi Sanjay called for closer Centre–State cooperation. He said such collaboration is essential to building a secure and rehabilitative prison system.
Moreover, the minister stressed the need to protect poor and vulnerable inmates. He added that the government will continue to pursue structural and operational reforms to ensure humane prison conditions.
Addressed the 9th National Conference of Correctional Administrators in Visakhapatnam, organised by BPR&D in association with Andhra Pradesh Prisons and Correctional Services.
Under the leadership of Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji, the focus is on reforming and strengthening… pic.twitter.com/PD1biLaftp
— Bandi Sanjay Kumar (@bandisanjay_bjp) January 28, 2026