Minister Tinku Roy Launches Welfare and Awareness Initiatives
Mizoram Jails Overcrowded by 15%
Mar 02, 2026Correctional facilities across Mizoram are operating at more than 15 per cent above their sanctioned capacity, raising serious concerns about prison management and inmate welfare. The figures were disclosed in the State Assembly by Home Minister K. Sapdanga.
According to the minister’s written reply, the state’s 11 functional jails — including the Central Jail, Central Women’s Jail and nine district jails — have a combined capacity of 1,496 inmates. However, as of February 5, the total prison population stood at 1,720, exceeding the official capacity by 224 inmates.
The most acute overcrowding has been reported in Aizawl. The Aizawl Central Jail, built to house 480 inmates, is currently accommodating 859 prisoners, nearly double its intended capacity. The Central Women’s Jail is also operating beyond its limit, holding 122 inmates against a capacity of 96. Similarly, the Aizawl District Jail has 131 inmates despite being designed for only 90.
Overcrowding has also affected border areas. The Champhai District Jail in Champhai is housing 165 inmates, significantly above its sanctioned capacity of 105.
Meanwhile, five district jails are functioning below capacity. Notably, the Saitual District Jail, which can accommodate 68 inmates, reportedly had no prisoners as of early February.
The overall excess of 224 inmates underscores mounting pressure on the state’s correctional infrastructure and highlights the need for urgent measures to address overcrowding and improve prison conditions.
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