The Hindu : Front Page : Prisoners to be freed after 10 years

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Sunday, Feb 22, 2009
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Prisoners to be freed after 10 years

Staff Reporter

Government will introduce video-conferencing facilities in jails: Kodiyeri

Kodiyeri Balakrishnan says government committed to protecting the rights of prisoners.

Thrissur: The State government is considering the release of prisoners who have served 10 years in jail, Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has said.

He was addressing a meeting to inaugurate the 29th sub-jail in the State here on Saturday.

“The government has submitted to the Governor a list of 163 prisoners who have served 10 years in jail and won good behaviour credits,” he added.

Mr. Balakrishnan said the government will introduce video-conferencing facilities in jails in a month to streamline court appearances of suspects. “Suspects can appear before judges using the facility from jails. The goal is to reduce the time and cost in transporting prisoners from jails to courts. A large number of policemen are currently being deployed for transport of remand prisoners. With the introduction of video conferencing, the services of these policemen can be used elsewhere. Scan machines to detect drug trafficking will be introduced in jails,” he stated.

The Social Welfare Board had drawn up a programme for rehabilitation of those who finished their prison terms. “Steps have been initiated to fill posts of jail warders,” he said.

The government was committed to protecting the rights of prisoners and preventing human rights violations in jails. “Prisoners can listen to FM radio in jails. Coin-box telephones have been introduced in jails. Officers monitor conversations of callers to prevent misuse of the facility,” he added.

Reserve battalion

Addressing the passing-out parade of constables at the Kerala Police Academy, he said an Indian Reserve Battalion would be established in the State within six months at a cost of Rs.23 crore. “The Centre has sanctioned Rs.18 crore. The battalion will have 1,000 members including 200 commandos. They will be trained in Thrissur,” Mr. Balakrishnan said.

He said military personnel who had opted for voluntary retirement at the age of 35 would be appointed as Home Guards in the State.

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