Panaji: Goa govt is set to introduce a sweeping overhaul of the state’s only jail at Colvale, with dedicated enclosures for transgender prisoners, tighter surveillance to curb organised crime behind bars, probes into sexual harassment, and the creation of open and semi-open correctional institutions.State govt will pass the new Goa prisons and correction service bill 2026 in the upcoming assembly session scheduled to commence next week.The bill said that govt will install advanced cellular jamming and cellular detection solutions in the jails to prohibit unauthorised use of cell phones by the inmates.“Govt may use electronic monitoring technology on prisoners under temporary release/leave from prison, by making use of inmate tracking devices,” the bill said.Bill said that it will be the responsibility of the inspectorate general of prisons and correctional services and police to take measures to protect the society from the criminal activities of high-risk prisoners, habitual offenders and hardened criminals.“Based on the details of the crime committed by the inmate, available background record, history ticket, etc, inmates will be suitably classified, assessed for their propensity and potential to negatively influence other inmates and be housed in separate barracks/cells, as may be appropriate,” the bill said.Bill envisages special provisions for security, intelligence gathering, surveillance and rotation of prison staff on duty.The bill says prisons and correctional institutions must keep a close watch on inmates involved in organised crime to prevent criminal activities inside prisons, including gang activity and witness intimidation.It states that women prisoners may keep their children with them in prison until they turn six. Children living with their mothers in prison may be provided healthcare and other facilities as prescribed.The bill also says any complaint or information about sexual harassment of a woman prisoner must be acted upon without delay in accordance with the law.For transgender prisoners, the bill provides for separate wards or enclosures for transmen and transwomen. It also says they may be given access to healthcare, psychosocial support, correctional programmes and other activities.On open and semi-open correctional institutions, the bill says the govt may establish and maintain such facilities as required. It may also provide concessions and facilities to help prisoners reintegrate into society.The rules governing these institutions, including eligibility and transfer of prisoners, as well as action against those who violate transfer conditions, will be prescribed separately.
