Goa Prisons Department Explores Advanced Technologies to Curb Unauthorized Mobile Phone Use by Inmates
The prisons department in Goa is actively investigating two sophisticated technological solutions to prevent the unauthorized use of mobile phones by inmates at the Colvale central jail. The department is considering the implementation of mobile jammers and advanced systems such as the tower-harmonious call blocking system, commonly known as T-HCBS.
Collaboration with Public Sector Firms and DoT
To identify the most effective and feasible solution, the department has engaged with prominent public sector firms, including Bharat Electronics Limited and the Electronics Corporation of India Limited. Additionally, the department of telecommunications is involved in the process to provide expert recommendations and assessments.
Surveys are currently underway to evaluate the potential impact and effectiveness of these technologies. According to inspector general of prisons KR Chaurasia, all surveys are scheduled to be completed by April 10. Following this, a comprehensive proposal detailing recommendations and associated costs will be submitted to the government for approval.
Technical Assessments and Feasibility Studies
Chaurasia elaborated on the ongoing assessments, stating that Bharat Electronics Limited has already conducted an evaluation of the likely impact of phone jammers on signal transmission in the area. The Electronics Corporation of India Limited is set to carry out a similar study to ensure thorough analysis.
Meanwhile, the department of telecommunications will examine the feasibility of implementing the tower-harmonious call blocking system within the jail premises. A critical requirement for the selected system is that it must effectively block mobile signals inside the jail without causing any disruption to nearby residential areas.
High Court Directives and Accountability Measures
This initiative follows recent directives from the Bombay high court, which ordered jail authorities to install robust phone jammers or cellular inspection systems, along with CCTV cameras at inmate entry points. The court also mandated the removal of charging points within the jail and called for an inquiry into how these points were installed in the first place.
In a strongly worded statement, the court expressed concern over the ease with which mobile phones are smuggled into the jail, despite regular inspections. The court questioned whether these inspections are superficial or deliberately lax, emphasizing the need for accountability. "Some accountability has to be fixed. The jail authorities cannot be permitted to be oblivious to such incidents happening at regular intervals," the court remarked.
The integration of advanced technologies like mobile jammers and T-HCBS, coupled with the court's directives, aims to enhance security measures and prevent illicit communication within the Colvale central jail, ensuring a safer and more controlled environment.
