Delhi Plans Major Overhaul with Tihar Jail Relocation

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the relocation of Tihar Jail to the outskirts of Delhi to alleviate overcrowding and security issues. A budget of Rs 10 crore has been set aside for this project. The relocation aims to enhance prisoner welfare, reformative programs, and manufacturing opportunities.

In a significant development, Delhi's Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has divulged plans to relocate the Tihar Jail complex to the city's outskirts. This decision, aimed at addressing overcrowding and enhancing prisoner welfare, comes with an allocation of Rs 10 crore in the 2025-26 budget for survey and consultancy services.

Tihar Jail, established in 1958 and known as one of India's largest prison complexes, currently faces severe overcrowding issues. Designed for approximately 10,025 inmates, the jail presently houses over 19,000. In response, the Delhi government has initiated steps to develop new prison complexes in Narela, with further plans to secure 100 acres elsewhere due to challenges in acquiring space in Baprola.

Beyond relocation, the government plans to reform the prison system by establishing a society focusing on the rehabilitation of inmates, through skill development and professionalization of in-jail manufacturing units. Local government procurement policies will further boost inmates' earnings by prioritizing products made within the prison complexes.

(With inputs from agencies.)