600 Jail Warder posts vacant in Odisha, govt to engage Home Guards temporarily for security

The Odisha Department of Prison and Correctional Services on Thursday issued instructions to all district Superintendents of Police (SPs) to deploy Home Guards in state prisons as a temporary measure until the recruitment of regular Jail Warders is completed.

The directive, issued after a detailed departmental assessment, seeks to address the acute shortage of warders and ensure the maintenance of safety, security, and discipline across correctional facilities, especially after recent security lapses at important prisons such as the Cuttack Choudwar Circle jail.

Home Guards To Take Charge Of Jail Security

The department stated that at present, 600 jail warder posts remain vacant across various prisons in Odisha, severely affecting day-to-day management and security supervision. To tackle this shortfall, the department has decided to engage Home Guards in these roles on a stopgap basis.

According to the official letter, this temporary deployment will continue for one year, and may be extended further if the recruitment process is not concluded in time.

The department has clearly directed that only suitable and disciplined Home Guards should be deployed, based on the requirements specified by respective Jail Superintendents. It added that their primary responsibility will be to maintain order and vigilance inside the jails during this transitional period.

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Urgent Measure To Safeguard Jail Discipline

Sources reported that the decision was prompted by a critical manpower shortage and the resulting strain on prison discipline. The shortage of warders had been reportedly flagged repeatedly by several district jail superintendents, leading to the department’s latest order.

It is worth noting that the escape of fugitives from the Choudwar jail early this month had prompted the Home Department to reassess internal control mechanisms and strengthen oversight.