Patna: The Bihar government has approved the construction of 44 residential buildings within prison premises across the state, aimed at providing housing facilities for prison officers and staff.
Deputy chief minister Samrat Chaudhary said the buildings will be developed in 21 prisons and will follow a B-type (G+3) residential structure. Each building is estimated to cost around Rs 2.2 crore, taking the total project cost to approximately Rs 88.89 crore.
The project is scheduled to be implemented during the financial year 2025-26 and in subsequent phases.
According to officials, four residential buildings will be constructed in Motihari, three in Purnia and two each in Muzaffarpur, Ara, Bhabua, Siwan, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Supaul, Katihar, Kishanganj, Saharsa, Begusarai, Jamui, Lakhisarai, Munger, Sheikhpura, Aurangabad and Nawada. One building is planned for Bettiah.
Under provisions of the Bihar Prison Manual 2012, chief warders and officers of higher rank are entitled to rent-free accommodation within prison premises. The new housing plan is intended to address this requirement.
Officials said that 10% of warders will be provided with family accommodation, while the remaining personnel will be allotted single housing units. The planning has taken into account both current and future requirements, with 5,034 warder posts currently sanctioned.
Chaudhary also noted that infrastructure development in the state’s policing system is being strengthened alongside prison reforms. Recently, approval was granted for construction of police station buildings and related infrastructure in districts including East Champaran, Araria, Saran, Begusarai and Kishanganj at a cost of Rs 46.47 crore.
The housing initiative is expected to improve working conditions for prison staff and enhance operational efficiency within correctional facilities.
