India’s first women’s open prison to be built in Yerawada; Rs 11 crores fund approved

By: Pune Pulse

December 1, 2023

Pune: The country’s first women’s open prison will become a reality as the state government has sanctioned a fund of Rs 11 crore for women’s open prison, the capacity of the prison is going to be 100. The new jail will be constructed by the Police Housing and Welfare Corporation instead of the Public Works Department.

As per information, an open prison for women was being demanded in the state along the lines of an open prison for men. On this backdrop, the then Home Minister R R Patil had performed Bhumi Poojan of Women’s Open Jail in Yerawada on August 15, 2010. After the creation of open prisons, women prisoners serving life sentences could live in an open environment instead of being confined within the closed walls of the prison. However, the matter was later shelved.

Finally, after 13 years, the state government has taken steps to realize the country’s first women’s open jail. The government has sanctioned a fund of Rs 10 crore 96 lakh for the construction of the jail. This has paved the way for the creation of the country’s first women’s open prison. An open jail will be built on 17 acres of land, with the capacity to house 100 women prisoners. Apart from this, there will be a separate administrative building and barrack facility for prisoners.

An official stated that the state government has sanctioned a fund of Rs 11 crore for setting up the country’s first women’s open jail at Yerawada. Therefore, the issue of women’s open prison, which has been pending for many years, will be resolved. The open jail will have the capacity to accommodate 100 women prisoners.

Shreyas Vange