The State government has proposed to earmark a much larger area in the more modern Shillong correctional home complex at Mawdiangdiang.
The government informed this to the Meghalaya High Court during hearing of a PIL on the condition of prisons in the State.
According to the State government, the proposal is that the new correctional home will come up in New Shillong where government departments are proposed to be moved and a commercial hub is planned around the area where the new Assembly has been built.
“The State government is requested to look into the desirability of having a correctional home in or around a commercial hub and the State may consider locating the correctional home at the other end of Shillong where sufficient land may be available. However, it is for the State government to take a decision in such regard,” the division bench of the High Court said.
The government also said that lack of funds has delayed completion of the new correctional home at Nongstoin.
The High Court asked the State government to make every effort to ensure that the work is completed as expeditiously as possible.
Expressing satisfaction with the conditions of the correctional homes in the State, the High Court disposed of the PIL with a request to the State government to ensure that the quality of food, hygiene and discipline at the correctional homes is maintained as per the expected standards.
