Prison reforms: Odisha govt to close 3 sub-jails and merge with district jails

In a move aimed at optimising prison administration and advancing correctional reforms, the Odisha government has decided to permanently shut down three sub-jails across the state. These jails, located in Nayagarh, Balasore, and Bargarh districts, will now be merged with their respective district jails.

A notification issued by the Home Department on July 7, 2025, outlines the details of the administrative overhaul.

As per the directive, Khandapada sub-jail will be integrated with Nayagarh district jail, Nilagiri sub-jail with Balasore district jail, and Sohela sub-jail with Bargarh district jail.

The order, signed by the Additional Chief Secretary, marks these three facilities as ‘denotified’, effectively removing them from the official list of recognised jails in the state. 

The Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services has been instructed to carry out the necessary procedures, including the shifting of inmates, redeployment of staff, and relocation of jail assets to the merged district prisons.

Additionally, the physical structures of the denotified jails will be preserved and kept secure until they are formally handed over to respective district administrations for alternative use.

The directive takes immediate effect, and all relevant stakeholders have been advised to update records and ensure smooth implementation of the merger.

This move is seen as part of the Odisha government’s broader agenda to modernise and streamline correctional infrastructure.