Despite the Union government allocating Rs 1,800 crore for prison modernization across the country, several Central jails in many states are extremely overcrowded with Madhya Pradesh topping the list. According to the latest Home Ministry data updated till 2006, Central jails in Madhya Pradesh had 17,058 inmates -- 16,605 males and 453 females -- against a total capacity of 8,290 prisoners.

 

The next overcrowded Central jails are in the national capital, which had a total of 11,378 prisoners against a total capacity of 4,800 inmates. Both Madhya Pradesh and Delhi, have eight Central jails each.

 

Similarly, as many as 6,056 extra prisoners were lodged in eight Central jails in Maharashtra. The data depicts the slow pace of five-year modernization of prisons scheme by Union government being implemented in all states and union territories.

 

The government had in 2002-03 initiated a Rs 1,800-crore scheme for modernization of prisons with a view to de-congest the jails and improve the condition of prisons, prisoners and prison personnel.

 

In Gujarat, where there are two Central jails, the number of inmates -- 3,874-- is double the total sanctioned capacity. There are 6,070 males and 270 females kept in the jails against the accommodating capacity of 2,387 males and 79 females, the data said. The conditions of central jails in Northeastern states are far better as compared to other regions.