CAG Highlights Deficiencies in Odisha Prison Management

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has flagged multiple deficiencies in the management and security of prisons across Odisha. Issues such as insufficient infrastructure, manpower, and equipment have been raised in a compliance audit report recently released.

According to the Odisha Model Jail Manual-2020, a guard-to-prisoner ratio must be maintained, requiring at least one guard for every six prisoners across all shifts. However, the state government sanctioned only 1,680 of the 3,515 guarding staff needed, with just 1,282 in position as of March 2023. This shortage jeopardized the safe and smooth functioning of jail operations, as noted by the CAG.

Furthermore, essential security equipment was found lacking, contributing to 29 inmate escapes between 2020 and 2023. In response, the Odisha government has approved an action plan to modernize prisons, but many deficiencies persist, including inadequate security measures and improper handling of psychiatric prisoners. No action has yet been taken against officials involved in contraband recovery incidents.