The programme “Modernization of Prison Administration” was introduced by the Government of India to provide support to the State Governments to improve facilities for the inmates and the members of the staff at the Jails/ Correctional Homes. Launched in 2002, the Programme seeks to modernize the facilities, especially to reduce the problem of overcrowding by way of construction of new Jails, augmentation of accommodation in the existing Jails, improvement in sanitation facilities, augmentation of drinking water facilities, providing suitable accommodation to the members of the staff, especially those in guarding duty. Government of India was supposed to share 75% of the financial allocation over a period of 5 years for implementation of schemes under the programme.

For the State of West Bengal, annual allocation per annum for the period ranging from 2002-03 to 2006-07 was to the tune of Rs. 1438 lakhs. Government of India was to contribute annually a sum of Rs. 1078.50 lakhs and the State Government contribution was to the tune of Rs.359.50 lakhs per year for the five years of the MPA Phase-I. Thus the total kitty under the program came to Rs. 7190.03 lakhs out of which the central share was to the tune of Rs. 5392.33 lakhs.

Nationally the time period for completion of the program was extended till March 2009. In view of the difficulty faced by the States in completing utilization of the funds, there is a recent extension of time till December 2009.