Maharashtra Government has announced plans for a high-security, multi-storey prison in Mumbai, following the State Assembly’s approval of the Maharashtra Prisons and Correctional Services Act 2024. This new legislation aims to reform state prisons while repealing outdated laws: The Prisons Act 1894, Prisoners Act 1900 and Transfer of Prisoners Act 1950. The Government has already identified land parcels for the new jail in Mumbai.
Proposed features of the new High-Security Prison
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Advanced Security Measures: Fortified walls, central monitoring systems, power fencing, and CCTV surveillance. Watchtowers and quick-response teams for emergencies. Electronic Tracking of parolees and furloughed prisoners.
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Gender-Sensitive Facilities: Separate cells for women and a dedicated hospital ward with pre/post-natal care. Balwadis for children. Special enclosures and healthcare for transgender inmates.
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Rehabilitation and Welfare Initiatives: Mandatory libraries, sports facilities, yoga, and recreational activities. Inmate compensation for work and on-site outlets to sell their products.
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Special Provisions: Separate arrangements for undertrials, high-risk prisoners, habitual offenders, and young offenders. Borstal institutions for civil prisoners.
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Bail Bond Support: A committee under collectors to fund bail bonds and reduce delays in bail processing.
This new prison in Mumbai aims to achieve security standards on par with that of Alcatraz Jail in San Francisco, which is over 100 years old. It is renowned for its high security, having housed prisoners during World War II. Only three escape attempts have been documented in Alcatraz Jail’s history, which makes it a model for prison security.
The government is also planning to set up a detention centre in the city. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) ha been tasked to search for a space for the same.
