Prisons in the southern Indian state of Karnataka are grappling with severe overcrowding and understaffing issues, putting both staff and inmates at risk, according to data from the home department. Out of 54 prisons in the state, 66% have reported occupancy levels exceeding 100%, with some even reaching as high as 258%. Meanwhile, the prisons department itself faces a shortage of staff, with a 26% deficit in its workforce.
Data reveals that the combined capacity of the nine central prisons, 21 district prisons, 23 taluk subjails, and one open jail is 14,237 inmates. However, as of July, the total prison population stood at 16,053, surpassing its maximum capacity by 13%. The most overcrowded facility is the Bangalore Central Prison, originally designed for 4,146 inmates but currently housing 5,261. The Central Jail of Mysuru is also significantly overpopulated, accommodating 835 prisoners against a maximum capacity of 562. Additionally, Shivamogga’s central jail, the state’s third-largest, with a designed capacity of 500, currently holds 700 inmates.
While 20 out of the 54 prisons have occupancy rates below 100%, with seven ranging from 81% to 98%, the remaining fall between 20% and 80%. Tiptur prison, which is undergoing repairs, currently has zero inmates. The surge in the prison population is attributed to the inability of undertrial prisoners to secure bail due to financial constraints. Even for those who are granted bail, the court requires financial assurance, posing difficulties for financially disadvantaged individuals.
Moreover, the prisons department is plagued by a significant shortage of staff, mainly affecting observers, nurses, and drivers, where more than half of the positions remain vacant out of a total of 4,000 authorized posts. According to ST Ramesh, former Director-General of Prisons, the inadequate sanctioned staff strength exacerbates the issue, which has persisted for two decades and is not unique to Karnataka but prevalent across the country. The shortage burdens existing staff members, resulting in increased workload and subsequent demotivation, affecting their personal lives and even leading to illnesses. Furthermore, the lack of sufficient monitoring personnel raises concerns regarding inmate safety and security.
To address the pressing challenges, the state government has decided to construct new prisons and additional barracks to alleviate the strain. Central jails capable of accommodating 1,000 inmates are under construction in Mangaluru, Bidar, and Vijayapura. Additionally, two subjails in Virajpet and Arsikere taluks, with capacities of 50 and 80 prisoners respectively, are being built. Supplementing this effort, additional barracks are being constructed at various prisons across Kalaburagi, Mysuru, Ballari, Koppal, Haveri, Hubballi, Ramanagara, and Gokak, with a combined capacity of accommodating 1,345 more prisoners.
The overcrowding and understaffing issues in Karnataka’s prisons call for immediate attention and proactive measures to safeguard the well-being of both inmates and staff. The construction of new facilities and increased recruitment are steps in the right direction, but long-term solutions and systemic reforms are needed to address the root causes behind the persistent problem.
