Uttar Pradesh prison reforms: Yogi Adityanath calls for open jails, rehabilitation, and skills training
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced reforms to transform prisons into centers of rehabilitation and skill development, directing officials to implement open jails for minor offenders and upgrade technology, security, and healthcare. He also ordered faster premature releases for elderly, terminally ill, and vulnerable inmates while expanding the 'One Jail One Product' initiative to boost self-reliance among prisoners.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s prison system, emphasizing rehabilitation, skill training, and technology-driven upgrades. During a review meeting, he stressed that prisons should prioritize reform over mere confinement, urging officials to develop an action plan for open jails specifically for minor offenders. Professional criminals and mafia elements will remain in regular prisons, while security, sanitation, and healthcare across facilities must be strengthened without compromise. Adityanath highlighted the need for improved surveillance and administrative transparency, ensuring no laxity in prison security. He reviewed inmate rehabilitation programs, pushing for better healthcare access and hygiene standards. Overcrowding has eased since 2017, with capacity increasing from 58,400 to 77,673 inmates across 77 prisons, though the current occupancy rate remains at 1.03. Seven new prisons, operational since 2017, added 10,495 spots, and six more are under construction, set to accommodate 6,156 additional inmates. Premature releases have surged, rising from 273 (2012–2016) to 3,846 (2022–2026), while fine-based releases jumped from 2,823 to 6,231 in the same periods. Adityanath ordered officials to compile lists of vulnerable inmates, including those over 75, terminally ill, women with children, and those unable to pay bail. He also expanded the 'One Jail One Product' initiative to enhance inmates’ self-reliance through skill development and production activities, aiming to reintegrate them into society. Land acquisition for additional prisons is nearing completion, with multi-story facilities prioritized to reduce congestion. Adityanath mandated strict adherence to project timelines and regular inspections of new prisons. The reforms align with his vision of modernizing Uttar Pradesh’s prison infrastructure while balancing security, welfare, and rehabilitation.
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