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New prison complex opened

Photo: T. Singaravelou

Official beginning: Chief Minister N. Rangasamy opening a plaque to mark the inaugural of the new prison complex at Periyakalapet on Wednesday. —

PUDUCHERRY: Chief Minister N. Rangasamy on Wednesday inaugurated the new prison complex, constructed at the cost of Rs. 12 crore at Periyakalapet on the outskirts of Puducherry.

Mr. Rangasamy, in his inaugural address, said the government had sought Rs. 15 crore from the Centre to provide additional facilities to the new prison. The funds would be utilised to procure equipment, enhance security and construct additional buildings.

Stressing the need for adopting a humane approach towards the prisoners, he said, “the jail should be a place for the prisoners to learn from their mistakes and reform themselves. It should create an atmosphere which would help them lead a better life.

Terming the law and order situation in the Union Territory as “good,” Mr. Rangasamy said it was important to maintain peace to achieve economic and industrial growth. The government was keen on making the Union Territory “crime-free.” He appealed to the jail staff to work with dedication and commitment.

Director-General of Police A.S. Khan said the opening of the new prison complex would help them to initiate the much needed prison reforms. The reforms were essential to make the Union Territory crime-free, he said.

Others who spoke included Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) M. Ramadass, Chief Judicial Magistrate Kaliamurthi, Inspector-General of Police (in-charge of prisons) S. Vasudeva Rao and Chief Engineer Public Works Department Chandrapal Singh.

According to a release issued by the Jail Department, the decision to shift the prison from Jawaharlal Nehru Street was taken in February 1997. The construction of the new complex started in 2001.

The new complex had an administrative block, separate yards for male and female prisoners, hospital, workshop, kitchen with modern facilities and quarters for the jail staff. It also had an interior and outer wall and an area for vegetable cultivation. The complex could house more than 500 prisoners.

The inmates of the prison on J.N. Street would be shifted to the new complex in two weeks, department officials said.

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