Uttar Pradesh prisons are grappling with overcrowding, currently accommodating 89,256 inmates despite an official maximum capacity of just 76,475, revealed Jail Administration and Reform Minister Dara Singh Chauhan in the State Assembly on Friday.
Responding to a question posed by Samajwadi Party MLA Rajendra Prasad Chaudhary during the ongoing Budget Session, Chauhan detailed the state’s measures to address the pressing issue. As of January 31, Uttar Pradesh operates a total of 76 prisons.
To alleviate overcrowding, eight additional jails are currently under construction. Upon completion, these facilities will expand existing inmate capacity by 9,165 spaces. Furthermore, the minister announced that plans are underway to establish 16 new jails across 15 districts, which will create an additional 21,408 spaces.
Chauhan also mentioned ongoing efforts to build supplementary barracks within existing prisons, incrementally improving their capacity and providing relief to the severely strained infrastructure.
With prison overcrowding remaining a significant concern, the Uttar Pradesh government’s announcements reflect proactive steps towards comprehensive jail reform and inmate welfare.