SHILLONG: In a first of its kind in the North East region, an E –prison software was launched here at the Shillong District jail on Thursday.
Under the innovate idea, the details of all the inmates, the number of inmates and the visitors who visit them in the jail will now be available at the click of a button as the details along with the photographs of the inmates would be shared in the software as soon as they are admitted in the jail and the inmates would also be issued an identity card.
Speaking on the occasion, DG Prisons R P Agarwal asserted that the State Government is focusing on the modernization of jails.
Stating that the Ministry of Home Affairs has sanctioned Rs 42 lakh for the project, he added that the Ministry would sanction more funds till 2020.
“The Prisons department also intends to roll out the programme even in other district jails of the state including Nongpoh and Jowai jail.
He also informed that altogether 460 prisons were lodged in Shillong District jail
He also urged the State Government to amend the services rules for the prisons department as 40 posts were lying vacant and they would like to recruit those people who are computer literate.
On the other hand, Home Minister (Jails), James Sangma mentioned that the inmates needed be treated humanely and stressed on the need to provide vocational training to the inmates.
According to Sangma, the Government is taking all measures to ensure that the Nongstoin jail which has been delayed for years is completed at the earliest adding that the Government would also take measures for setting up of a Central jail so that hardcore criminals, convicts can be separated from UTPs and petty criminals.
Stating that the Government wants to introduce video conferencing facilities in Williamnagar and Tura District jails, he added that the Government was also keen to connect all the District jails in the state with the CCTV cameras.
Senior officials of the department, jail staffs were also present on the occasion and one of the highlights of the programme was the melodious rendition of a Hindi movie song by the inmates of the jail