Home Minister Anitha Pushes Rehabilitation-Centric Prison Reforms

The Andhra Pradesh government has initiated sweeping reforms to modernize the state’s prison system with a stronger emphasis on rehabilitation , security , and inmate welfare. During a high-level review meeting at the Amaravati Secretariat on Tuesday, Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha directed officials to accelerate measures aimed at improving prison administration across the state.

Expressing concern over severe overcrowding in jails, the minister instructed officials to prepare an immediate action plan and restore unused prison facilities. She also asked the department to formulate proposals to establish at least one jail in every district.

Anitha stressed that prisons should serve as centres for reform rather than mere detention facilities. She called for strengthening de-addiction services and expanding counselling support to improve the mental well-being of inmates.

The minister also emphasized enhancing skill development and vocational training programmes to help prisoners secure employment opportunities and reintegrate into society after release.

To strengthen surveillance , Anitha directed officials to adopt advanced technology to prevent mobile phone usage inside prisons and closely monitor parolees. She further sought a detailed report on pending vacancies and modernization requirements in the Prisons Department.