GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 406
TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 2ND DECEMBER, 2025/ AGRAHAYANA 11, 1947
(SAKA)
OPEN PRISONS AND SEMI-OPEN PRISONS
406. DR. THIRUMAAVALAVAN THOLKAPPIYAN:
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) the details and the number of open prisons and semi-open prisons in
the country;
(b) whether the Government has any...
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 406 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 2ND DECEMBER, 2025/ AGRAHAYANA 11, 1947
(SAKA) OPEN PRISONS AND SEMI-OPEN PRISONS
406. DR. THIRUMAAVALAVAN THOLKAPPIYAN:
Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) the details and the number of open prisons and semi-open prisons in the country;
(b) whether the Government has any policy proposal to direct/encourage increase in the open prisons/semi-open prisons; and
(c) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI BANDI SANJAY KUMAR)
(a): The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) compiles prison statistics reported to it by the States and Union Territories (UTs) and publishes the same in its annual publication “Prison Statistics India”. The latest published report is of the year 2023. There were 101 Open/Semi-Open prisons in the country as on 31.12.2023.
(b) and (c): “Prisons”/“persons detained therein” is a “State-list” subject under Entry 4 of List II of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. The administration and management of prisons and prisoners is the direct responsibility of respective State Governments/UT Administrations,-2- L.S.US.Q.NO. 406 FOR 02.12.2025 who are competent to take decisions for establishing Open/Semi-Open prisons in their respective jurisdictions. However, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had prepared a Model Prison Manual 2016 and had shared it with all States and UTs in May, 2016. The Model Prison Manual 2016 has a specific chapter on “Open Institutions”, which provides detailed provisions about establishment and administration of Open prisons. MHA has also prepared a “Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act” in the year 2023 and has shared it with all States and UTs for enabling them to make use of the guidance provided therein relating to prisons and prisoner management. The Model Act also provides for establishment and administration of Open and Semi-Open Correctional Institutions.
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