Prisoner Appearances in Delhi Jails to Transition to Video Conferencing; Government to Invest ₹38 Crore in 840 Systems
Delhi-NCR: The system for transporting prisoners to court from Delhi's jails is set for a complete overhaul. Prisoner appearances will now take place within the jail premises via video conferencing (VC), eliminating the need for physical transport to court. This new system will not only enhance security but also result in significant cost savings—millions of rupees each month. Let's delve into the details of this transformation.
840 Video Conferencing Systems to be Installed in Jails
A total of 840 video conferencing systems will be installed across all Delhi jails, distributed according to individual jail needs. The government will invest approximately ₹38 crore in this initiative. Tenders will be released shortly. Upon project completion, the need to transport prisoners to court will be significantly reduced, with appearances conducted directly from the jail.
Current System: Reliance on the Third Battalion
Currently, the Delhi Police's Third Battalion is responsible for transporting prisoners to and from court. The battalion uses jail vans, accompanied by security personnel. Security is increased depending on the case, yet incidents still occur.
Examples of Incidents:
- A prisoner once murdered another prisoner inside the van.
- A murder was committed outside the court during an appearance.
- Prisoners have often smuggled contraband into jail using deceptive tactics.
- These incidents clearly highlight the significant risks associated with the current system.
Traffic Congestion and Security Personnel Challenges
In a large city like Delhi, numerous jail vans travel the roads daily. Delays caused by traffic congestion impede timely court appearances, impacting both court and jail operations. This also increases stress on security personnel.
Savings of ₹15 Crore per Month
The jail administration currently pays the Delhi Police approximately ₹15 crore each month for prisoner transport. The ₹38 crore investment in the video conferencing system will eliminate this substantial monthly expenditure, resulting in significant cost savings over the year. It represents a one-time investment with substantial long-term returns.
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