Union Budget 2025-26: Sitharaman proposes Rs 300 cr to modernise Indian prisons

In May 2023, the Home Ministry had finalised a comprehensive ’Model Prisons Act’ with provisions regarding establishment and management of high security jails, open jails and ”protecting the society from the criminal activities of hardened criminals and habitual offenders” among others The Centre on Saturday proposed a budgetary allocation of Rs 300 crore for the modernisation of prisons during the next financial year, the same as the current fiscal but which was later revised to Rs 75 crore. According to the Union Home Ministry, it attaches high importance to efficient prison management and correctional administration due to the significance of prisons in the criminal justice system. In May 2023, the Home Ministry had finalised a comprehensive ’Model Prisons Act’ with provisions regarding establishment and management of high security jails, open jails and ”protecting the society from the criminal activities of hardened criminals and habitual offenders” among others. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had said in 2023 that efficient prison management plays a critical role in the criminal justice system and the Government of India attaches high degree of importance to supporting states and union territories in this regard.