Odisha prison dept proposes fitting GPS trackers to undertrial prisoners’ ankles

The Odisha prison department has proposed fitting GPS-enabled tracking devices to the ankles of some undertrial prisoners to decongest prisons. 
 
As per the department's proposal to the Odiaha government, the GPS-enabled tracking devices will be fitted to the ankles of undertrial prisoners facing non-heinous charges and offenders for crimes carrying a maximum imprisonment of seven years to reduce prison overcrowding.

With the help of the GPS-enabled tracking devices, the jail authorities will be able to track all the movements and activities of the undertrial prisoners. If any undertrial prisoner tries to damage the GPS tracker, the local police station will get an alert immediately.

“The location of the GPS trackers fitted to undertrial prisoners will always be available with the police and he/she will not be able to escape. These trackers will be tamper-proof. If there will be any kind of interference in its functioning, immediately, there will be an alert and the accused will be caught,” said Director General of Prisons, Manoj Kumar Chhabra.

“We have a motto to use GPS trackers for any kind of specific offence. We have proposed introduction of the technology, and it is under consideration,” said Chhabra.

Chhabra further said the initiative would reduce prison overcrowding. The Supreme Court had earlier advised states not to keep offenders for crimes carrying a maximum imprisonment of seven years in jails.

“We have proposed to the state government to introduce the technology through which we can keep non-violent undertrials involved in petty offences confined in their houses without sending them to jails. I am hopeful that if the new system becomes successful, it will go a long way in solving the congestion problems not only in Odisha, but also in prisons across India.