Buxar: The prisons and correctional services department has submitted a proposal to install colour televisions and procure high-jet pressure cleaning machines to enhance sanitation in Buxar Central Jail.Once the proposal is cleared, televisions and other required equipment will be purchased and installed in all jails under the central jail’s jurisdiction. These include divisional jails in Ara, Sasaram, Bhabua, Bikramganj, Women’s divisional jail, and open jail attached to Buxar Central Jail.At present, Buxar Central Jail houses 1,080 inmates against its sanctioned capacity of 1,597 prisoners, an official said. The jail administration has prepared a detailed list of requirements and submitted it to the department. After approval, procurement will be carried out transparently through the govt e-marketplace (GeM) portal.According to departmental sources, the initiative is part of a larger state-level plan under which colour televisions will be installed in 49 prisons across Bihar to promote inmates’ mental well-being and constructive engagement. The home department has sanctioned over Rs3.26 crore for the project. A total of 681 television sets, ranging from 32 inches to 55 inches, will be procured. As per the plan, TVs will be installed in all prisoner wards, except high-security units.Officials said the objective is to keep inmates constructively engaged, connect them with news and educational programmes, and help reduce mental stress. Authorities believe access to information on national and international developments will contribute to a more reformative prison environment.Separately, preparations are underway to procure high-jet pressure cleaning machines to strengthen sanitation systems. These machines will enable effective cleaning of barracks, toilets and other areas within the prison complex. Officials said the move is expected to significantly improve hygiene standards and positively impact inmates’ health.
