Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Prison Development Board (PDB) on Tuesday reviewed a series of security and inmate welfare initiatives, including the installation of AI-based CCTV surveillance in 20 jails, expansion of prison infrastructure and measures aimed at rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners.
The fourth meeting of the PDB, chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, discussed steps taken by the Directorate of Prisons and Correctional Services over the past year to strengthen prison security and improve living conditions for inmates.
The Board reviewed the installation of AI camera-based CCTV systems with video analytics in 20 jails. It also examined measures to strengthen prison security through higher perimeter walls with concertina wire, modern surveillance equipment and enhanced prison intelligence units.
Officials discussed the use of drones, body-worn cameras, handheld and door-frame metal detectors, deep search metal detectors and non-linear junction detectors to detect concealed mobile phones.
The meeting also reviewed the implementation of telephone facilities for inmates as per the Prison Manual, allowing two calls of four minutes each every week.
The Board noted that periodic security audits, surprise inspections by senior prison officials and law enforcement agencies, and disciplinary action against lapses have been strengthened.
On inmate welfare, the meeting reviewed the appointment of 118 yoga trainers across 74 jails and 61 mental health counsellors in 36 prisons. It also discussed the installation of 96 micro-industries to engage inmates in productive work and vocational training provided to 1,636 prisoners during 2025.
The Board also reviewed initiatives to standardise and brand prison-made products, develop a medicinal plantation project at the Open Air Jail in Jamujhari, and improve legal assistance for inmates. During the period, 2,418 appeal petitions and 256 special leave petitions were filed on behalf of prisoners.
Officials said 218 inmates completed educational programmes ranging from matriculation to postgraduate courses through NIOS, IGNOU and Odisha State Open University during 2025-26.
The meeting also discussed the construction of new model prisons in Bhubaneswar, Jajpur and Bhadrak, enhancement of prison staff strength, opening of more open-air jails and measures to improve prisoners’ living conditions, including diet, drinking water, wages, de-addiction facilities and mental healthcare.
Director General of Prisons, Additional Chief Secretary, Home, and senior secretaries of various departments attended the meeting.
