Bhubaneswar: Odisha has stepped up prison security with the installation of AI-enabled CCTV surveillance systems in 20 jails and plans to extend the technology to all 86 prisons across the state as part of a comprehensive modernisation drive aimed at preventing escapes and improving prison management.
The decision was announced after the fourth meeting of the Prison Development Board, chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, on Tuesday. The meeting reviewed measures to strengthen prison security, improve inmate welfare and enhance correctional services.
Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services Susanta Kumar Nath said AI-enabled surveillance systems equipped with video analytics have already been installed in 20 prisons. The cameras generate automatic alerts if an inmate approaches the prison boundary wall, helping prevent escape attempts.
“Since the installation of AI cameras, no prisoner escape has been reported from these jails since October,” Nath said.
He said AI surveillance would also be extended inside prison premises. The system will be capable of detecting unusual gatherings of inmates, with automatic alarms being triggered if multiple prisoners assemble at one place, enabling prison authorities to respond swiftly to potential disturbances.
The prison modernisation programme also includes deployment of drones for aerial surveillance, body-worn cameras for prison personnel, advanced metal detectors and strengthening of prison perimeter walls.
A special drive has also been launched to trace and apprehend escaped prisoners, while preventing future escape attempts remains a key focus of the department.
The Prison Development Board also discussed establishing open-air jails in all seven circle jails of the state. Proposals have been prepared for setting up such facilities at the circle jails in Kataka, Baleshwar, Sambalpur, Brahmapur, Baripada, Koraput and Phulbani.
The meeting reviewed initiatives aimed at improving inmate welfare, including food quality, healthcare and rehabilitation. The department has appointed 118 yoga trainers and 61 mental health counsellors across prisons to support inmates’ physical and psychological well-being.
As part of rehabilitation efforts, skill development training has been imparted to 1,636 inmates, while 96 small-scale industrial units have been established inside prisons to provide vocational engagement and livelihood opportunities.
The board also decided to convert unused jail buildings at Sohela, Kashipur and Laxmipur into skill development centres to make productive use of the infrastructure.
Senior officials from nine state government departments attended the meeting along with the Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services. Odisha currently has a network of 86 prisons across the state.
