Shillong, Mar 16: The state government has sanctioned Rs 8.46 crore for the proposed extension of the Shillong district jail.

Minister in-charge Home (Jails) AL Hek informed the Assembly on Monday when he replied during question hour.

Hek said that the PWD (Buildings) department has completed the tendering process for the same.

He also informed that the government has sanctioned Rs 27.60 crore for the construction of the new district jail at Nongstoiñ, West Khasi Hills.

The inmates from West Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills will be shifted from the Shillong district jail to the Nongstoiñ district jail, once it is completed, he said.

According to him, 30 convicts were shifted from the Shillong to the Nongpoh jail, to ease the congestion in the Shillong district jail.

At present, the Shillong district jail is having a total of 440 inmates including 422 males and 18 women against the approved capacity of 170 (135 males & 15 females).

He informed that basic amenities including medicine, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap etc, are being provided to the inmates. The inmates also have access to a TV with cable facilities in every room/ward.

To a concern raised by Mawsynram legislator Himalaya Shangpliang on the manner in which the 18 female inmates were kept in one room, the minister assured that the department would consider keeping two rooms for such inmates.

When Mawlai legislator PT Sawkmie sought to know on whether CCTVs have been installed inside the jail, Hek said that a total of 22 CCTVs have been installed by the department but at present all are not working.