The Central Jail at Colvale is expected to be a highly secured and restricted premises, but the ground reality is quite to the contrary. One hundred and sixty-one mobiles are among several prohibited items that have reportedly been confiscated from prisoners in the jail over the last eight years. Jail inmates have to be incarcerated and undergo necessary punishment for their misdeeds. Prisons also need to operate as correctional centres. However, the Colvale jail appears to have become more of a recreation centre than a correctional centre. Time and again, disciplinary action has been taken against jail staffers, including suspension for dereliction of duty. However, a report submitted in the Goa Legislative Assembly has revealed that of the 79 pending disciplinary proceedings across various government departments, the prisons department accounts for 21 cases. When inquiries are prolonged, it raises questions about transparency and efficiency.
