As of 2017, the occupancy rate in Indian jails crossed 115% indicating overcrowding of prisons. This was an improvement from 2007, when the rate was more than 140%. With several States improving the capacity of prisons to match the increase in inmates, the rate decreased, but it still remained high as some States are still to catch up.
Decadal difference Between 2007 and 2017, inmate population increased by 20% while jail capacity rose by 41% across prisons, thereby reducing the occupancy rate of prisoners.
State of affairs In 16 out of the 28 States considered (undivided Andhra Pradesh was considered), the prison occupancy rate was >100% as of 2017. However, it improved in 20 States and worsened in the rest.'
Demand and supply Graph shows % growth of jail capacity against % growth of inmate population between 2007 and 2017.
