Second phase of scheme of modernization of prisons 'Prisons' is a State subject under List II of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution and, therefore, prison administration is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments. However, to consolidate the gains of the first phase of modernization of prisons scheme which ended on 31.3.2009, a follow up scheme known as the second phase of modernization of prisons was considered by the Government of India for which proposals from States/UTs were received. As no funds have been earmarked for the scheme, the second phase of Prison Modernisation Scheme has not been launched. However, a consolidated Memorandum was submitted by the Ministry of Home Affairs to the Fourteenth Finance Commission for consideration which included the demands projected by the States/UTs amounting to Rs. 13,962.60 crore for prison reforms in the second phase of modernization of prisons. The 14th Finance Commission has observed that in view of the improved outlay for States now, there is appropriate fiscal space to provide for additional expenditure needed for their requirements. The 14th Finance Commission has not made any specific fund allocation in favour of Central Government for this purpose. Therefore, with appropriate prioritization, the States/UTs should be able to meet the proposed expenditure on modernisation of jails. This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary in a written reply to a question by Shri Ahmed Patel in the Rajya Sabha today.
