Team Goemkarponn
Panaji:
In a pioneering move, the state of Goa is set to transform its prison system by introducing open and semi-open prisons, a concept that has been gaining traction nationwide.
This initiative follows a recent Supreme Court suggestion aimed at easing the burden on the prison system and facilitating smoother rehabilitation for inmates upon release. As of March 2025, Goa has begun laying the groundwork for this reform, with a focus on the Colvale central jail.
A team from Goa has visited other states to study the concept, marking a significant step forward for a state that has never previously experimented with such facilities.
The proposed open or semi-open prison at Colvale would allow inmates to leave the premises for work or education during the day, returning in the evening.
This approach is based on the principle that reformed prisoners who have served long sentences and demonstrated good behavior are less likely to attempt escape, as doing so would result in harsher punishment. The Colvale jail currently houses over 600 inmates, including both convicts and undertrials.
Goa’s move is part of a broader trend in India, where open prisons are seen as cost-effective and beneficial for rehabilitation. A study by Smita Chakraburtty in 2017 highlighted that open prisons require significantly fewer staff and are 78 times cheaper than traditional closed prisons. Rajasthan, with seven open prisons, has been cited as a model for successful implementation. Goa’s new prison rules, framed in 2021, paved the way for the introduction of such facilities.
Additionally, the Goa police plan to establish a petrol pump near the Colvale jail, which will be operated by reformed inmates.
This initiative aims to provide them with a productive and revenue-generating activity, helping them integrate into society more effectively.
