Multitasking at Tihar

Crunched for staff, security personnel double up as clerks at Asia's largest prison

Crunched for staff, security personnel double up as clerks at Asia's largest prison

Their job is to keep one of the most dreaded criminals in India behind the bars.

Wanted men: Tihar Central Prison is facing staff shortage

However, apart from wielding guns, the security personnel at the Tihar Central Prison also take up pens to shoulder clerical responsibilities. The high-security prison that houses more than 12,000 inmates is facing a serious shortage of staff in the ranks of warden, head warden and assistant superintendent since last year.

The shortage has started to hit the day-to-day jail administration and therefore, the jail authorities have sought help from Tamil Nadu Special Police, ITBP and Central Reserve Police Force deployed for security and patrolling duties.

"We have a shortage of staff at Tihar Prisons. Thirty per cent of the required staff is not available. Ultimately, the present staff is overloaded with more responsibilities and help is being taken from the others," Director General, Tihar Prison, B K Gupta said.
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A jail official said at least 330 posts are lying vacant and till they are filled the authorities are compelled to take help from security personnel.

Those who multitask help in the custodial duties of the prisoners.

Watch supercop Kiran Bedi talking about reforms in Tihar