Home minister Vangalapudi Anitha inaugurates a petrol bunk run by prisons department near sub-jail in Rajamahendravaram on Monday Rajamahendravaram: Home minister Vangalapudi Anitha announced plans to set up de-addiction centres in central jails across the state to help reform the prisoners convicted of ganja-related offenses. The announcement was made here during the inauguration of a prison cafe and box cricket facility opposite the central jail on Monday. Speaking to the media on the occasion, she said the state has 16 sub-jails, two central jails, one special jail and a Borstal home under construction.
The state’s jails currently house 3,483 prisoners, exceeding their capacity by 700 inmates. Rajahmundry central jail, for example, has a capacity of 1,200 but currently holds 1,250 prisoners. Anitha emphasised that the state government’s focus is on addressing ganja-related cases as part of a broader effort to eradicate illegal drug.
She noted that there are 1,700 individuals imprisoned for ganja offenses across the state, with about 1,000 in Visakhapatnam jail and 376 in Rajahmundry central jail. To support these prisoners, the minister announced that psychiatrists will be appointed to provide counselling and help rehabilitate them. The home minister stressed the government’s commitment to reforming prisoners.
Initiatives like fuel outlets, training in various crafts and prison cafes are being implemented to help prevent released prisoners from reverting to criminal .