Chennaai, Aug 22
The Tamil Nadu government has unveiled a comprehensive prison reform package for 2026-27, focusing on security, healthcare, mental health, rehabilitation, vocational training and the welfare of inmates across the State.
Announcing the measures while replying to the debate on the demands for grants for his department, Law Minister R Nirmalkumar said the reforms were aimed at improving prison administration while providing inmates with better facilities and opportunities for rehabilitation.
Among the measures announced is a special diet for prisoners in all jails on Tamil Nadu Day on July 18. The initiative will cost the government around Rs 25 lakh.
The government will also increase the monthly purchase limits at prison canteens. For ‘A’ class prisoners, the ceiling will be doubled from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000, while the limit for ‘B’ class prisoners will rise from Rs 750 to Rs 1,500.
As part of its rehabilitation measures, the government will establish de-addiction centres in seven district jails at a cost of Rs 65 lakh.
The administration will also revise task-based wages paid to prisoners engaged in prison industries, providing them better financial returns for their work and skills.
Vocational training is another major component of the package. An Industrial Training Institute (ITI) will be established at Central Prison-I in Chennai at a cost of Rs 8 crore. The facility is expected to provide inmates with job-oriented skills that could help them find employment after their release.
The government has also proposed a significant upgrade to prison security.
As many as 400 AI-based CCTV cameras will be installed in central and women’s prisons across Tamil Nadu at a cost of Rs 5.50 crore.
The move is intended to strengthen surveillance and enable prison authorities to monitor sensitive areas more effectively.
Prison personnel will also receive specialised training in human rights, gender sensitisation, handling prisoners with disabilities, and dealing with sexual offences and POCSO-related cases.
Mental healthcare forms another key part of the reform package.
Each of the 13 district jails will get access to a part-time psychologist, while one doctor and one staff nurse will be engaged in 12 district jails.
In addition, an Integrated Mental Health Centre will be established at the Central Prison in Vellore at an estimated cost of Rs 3.63 crore.
The measures are aimed at ensuring that prisoners receive timely psychological and medical support, particularly those requiring specialised care.:
The State government will also establish a new district jail complex in Tiruvallur at a cost of Rs 48.76 crore.
The new facility is expected to improve prison infrastructure and address the requirements of the growing inmate population in the district.
The reform package also extends beyond prison administration.
The government will enhance assistance under the Victim Compensation Fund, with specified compensation slabs being increased.
The move is intended to provide greater financial support to victims and their families in eligible cases.
Taken together, the measures represent a broader shift towards a prison system that combines security with rehabilitation, healthcare, skill development and human rights.
The package includes investments in surveillance and infrastructure, while simultaneously seeking to address addiction, mental health, vocational training and the welfare of inmates.