Tel Prisons dept mulling letting unoccupied cells to other

In a bid to increase revenue and help other states in overcoming the persistent problem of overcrowded jails, the Telangana Prisons department is considering a proposal to let the vacant prison cells to such states.
According to VK Singh, Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, the department will submit a proposal to the state government in a year or two after studying the feasibility of such a move.
He said the current accommodation capacity of prisons in Telangana is 6,848 whereas the occupancy is 6,063 prisoners as on July 15.
"We are in a position to let the accommodation capacity of 800 prisoners to other states. However, we will watch for one year till the fluctuations in the number of prisoners in our jails stabilise. After a year or two, we have a plan to propose to the government to let out the accommodation capacity of 2000 non-grave, non-serious convicts to other states where there is overcrowding," Singh said while addressing a press conference.

He said the move, if materialised, may fetch about Rs 25 crore in revenue for the state.
Singh said the prisons department is planning to set up 50 petrol pumps, to be managed by inmates of prisons in state, by the end of December and that the suitable land has already been identified for the purpose.
"The Prisons department has completed the survey of orphanages in the state and will monitor the children (staying in such facilities) so as to prevent them from becoming potential criminals in future," he added.