New jails, cyber nerve centre: Govt’s security push in Budget

Deputy chief minister and finance minister Diya Kumari Wednesday announced a range of security and infrastructure packages that included the construction of new central prison buildings in four cities, a state-level cyber crime command centre, and 5,000 additional Home Guard volunteers.Presenting the Budget, Kumari announced that new central jail complexes will come up in Jodhpur, Jaipur, Alwar and Udaipur. These will be developed in phases on the pattern of NBCC (India) Limited, at an estimated cost of Rs 1,200 crore.The move signals a long-discussed shift. Sources said several existing jails are located in densely populated areas and face space and security constraints.In Jaipur, the Central Jail at Ghat Gate sits in the middle of a densely populated area. Officials indicated that relocation plans are on the table for years, with clearer timelines expected once detailed project reports are finalised.Kumari also announced the creation of the Rajasthan Cyber Crime Control Centre (R4C), which is expected to function on the lines of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre also known as I4C, under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The new centre will help battle a range of new cyber threats, including digital arrest and deep fakes.The proposed body will act as the state's nodal cyber crime hub, integrating police, cyber cells, banks and telecom operators.