CHENNAI: The state government has doubled the compensation provided under the Tamil Nadu Victim Compensation Fund Rules, 2009, citing prevailing economic conditions and rehabilitation needs. The compensation for death or murder has been raised from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh, while assistance for grievous and simple injuries has been increased to Rs 40,000 and Rs 20,000, respectively.
Announcing the measures in the Assembly on Friday, Minister CTR Nirmal Kumar said a new 500-inmate district jail would be established in Tiruvallur at a cost of Rs 48.76 crore to decongest Puzhal Central Prison. A 50-bed Integrated Mental Health Care Centre would be set up at Vellore Central Prison at Rs 3.63 crore, while an ITI would be established inside Chennai Central Prison-I at Rs 8 crore for vocational training of inmates.
The government would deploy 18 additional doctors and 29 nurses across prisons and appoint part-time psychologists in 13 district jails. Uniform allowances for prison personnel are to be raised on a par with the police personnel. Other measures include 400 AI-based CCTV cameras, de-addiction centres in seven district jails, and prison kitchen modernisation at `21 crore. Canteen purchase limits for prisoners would be doubled. “The timely disbursal of fund is key. After a decade, the hike in the number of courts is a welcome move,” said Advocate K R Raja.