UP Modernises Prisons With AI Surveillance and Digital Reforms (Img: X)
Lucknow: Modernisation of prisons has long been a demand in Uttar Pradesh. The Yogi Adityanath government is now stepping up efforts to strengthen prison security and upgrade facilities across the state, with a focus on technology, transparent administration and inmates’ education.
The state has increased the number of CCTV cameras in its jails to more than 7,000, while introducing AI-based surveillance and strengthening perimeter security. Digital systems are also being expanded to improve administrative processes, facilitate court appearances and make premature release procedures more transparent.
P.C. Meena, Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, said the government was working to improve prison security while making administrative procedures simpler, transparent and time-bound.
He said technology was being adopted in line with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision, particularly for monitoring inmates, producing them before courts and processing premature release cases.
According to Meena, Uttar Pradesh had around 4,900 CCTV cameras across its prisons in June 2025. That number has since risen to more than 7,000, expanding surveillance coverage inside jail premises. The cameras monitor inmates’ activities in barracks, while the AI-based JARVIS system provides an additional layer of surveillance.
More than 750 AI-based cameras are connected to the control room at the prison headquarters, enabling officials to monitor security across facilities.
The government is also strengthening security around prison boundaries, beyond surveillance inside the premises.
Meena said fencing wire had been installed along the main prison walls, while electric fencing systems had also been introduced to reinforce perimeter security and reduce potential risks.
The measures are intended to create a multi-layered security network by combining CCTV monitoring with physical barriers around prison complexes.
Uttar Pradesh has introduced the ‘e-Prisons Early Release Processing Module’ to streamline the handling of premature release cases. According to the state, it is the first state in the country to implement the module.
The digital system aims to make the process faster and more transparent, reducing delays in the disposal of cases. The initiative is part of a broader effort to modernise prison administration through technology.
The establishment of a Measurement Collection Unit (MCU) room in every jail has been completed, while work has begun to make the prison headquarters and administrative offices paperless.
The state is also setting up video-conferencing units across its prisons to facilitate inmates’ appearances before courts. The system is expected to improve coordination between prisons and courts while making court appearances more convenient and secure.
Alongside security and administrative reforms, the government is working to improve energy efficiency in prisons. Solar panels are being installed on jail rooftops, while solar-powered high-mast lights are being introduced in 58 jails to improve lighting and encourage the use of alternative energy.
The state has also established digital libraries in 74 jails to support inmates’ educational and learning needs. The libraries provide access to digital reading and learning resources, forming part of the government’s wider effort to modernise prison facilities.
