Committee to recommend on jail reforms

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarai Vijayan told the Assembly that a committee would be set up to recommend on jail reforms.

Replying to the debate on the demands for grants for Police, Jails, Stationery and Printing and Other Administrative Services, the Chief Minister also said that services of a psychologist would be made available in jails. Besides, Yoga training would be introduced in jails.

Mr. Vijayan announced that cybercrime branch would be set up to deal with increasing number of cybercrimes. It would have strong presence not only in the capital but also in the districts.

He said that strong action would be taken if custody deaths occur in the State. Attention would be paid to end third degree methods and encourage efficient investigation of crimes. Goons and mafias should be eliminated.

The representation of women in police force will be increased from six to ten per cent. Special recruitment would be held for tribals and people from coastal areas. Welfare programmes would be taken up for camp followers, buglers and drummers in police.

He said that the government had taken a stand that interference by external forces would not be permitted in police investigations. This had shown results and the police were not more effective in solving crimes.

He said that the basic facilities would be set up in all police stations. Buildings for police stations would be constructed on a time bound manner. Special security arrangements would be made for police stations from where presence of extremists had been reported.

He said that protection would be accorded to women living alone. Steps will also be taken for safety of school children travelling by autos and school buses. GPS would be insisted on school buses. More schools would be brought under the student police scheme. Special attention would be paid to trafficking in children.

Mr. Vijayan said that ten more high way patrol units with GPS facility would be pressed into service in view of increasing number of traffic accidents. Fire force would be equipped to save lives. The police academy would be modernised.

He announced that a printing park would be set up near government press at Mannanthala in Thiruvananthapuram district. Kerala would be turned into a destination for printing.

After the Chief Minister’s reply, the House passed the demands for grants in the absence of the Opposition which had boycotted the sitting.