Thane Central Jail, has taken a significant step in improving communication between inmates and their families, thanks to a pioneering initiative modelled after Tamil Nadu's Allan Group. Under the supervision of Additional Director General of Police and Inspector General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Maharashtra, Amitabh Gupta, the facility underwent a modernization overhaul.

The inauguration ceremony on March 12 marked the launch of several amenities aimed at enhancing the quality of life for inmates. Among the notable additions are smart card telephone facilities, washing machines, television sets, and an e-interview unit. This initiative is a response to the challenges faced by the prison administration in providing adequate facilities due to overcrowding.

The smart card telephone system, facilitated by the Allan Group, allows inmates to communicate with their relatives and legal representatives. Each smart card stores three phone numbers, ensuring secure and regulated communication. Inmates are allotted six minutes three times a week for calls, with a nominal fee of Re. 1 per minute.

Furthermore, to cater to the entertainment needs of the inmates, Thane Central Jail has installed television sets, ranging from 43 to 75 inches, offering a selection of channels including sports and educational programming. An e-interview facility has also been implemented for inmates whose relatives cannot visit physically, enabling virtual communication.

Importantly, inmates will now be able to benefit from government schemes such as the Ayushman Bharat Card, providing medical coverage up to Rs. 5 lakhs. Additionally, online registration for eligible prisoners has commenced, ensuring access to various welfare schemes including accident insurance of up to Rs. 2 lakhs through labour card registration under the Ministry of Labour.