The Karnataka government has taken a significant step to strengthen prison security by approving the deployment of 550 ex-servicemen as prison guards across the state. The decision comes in response to a series of serious security lapses in prisons, including incidents of mobile phone use by inmates, contraband smuggling, and viral videos showing unauthorized activities inside jail premises.
Officials said the move aims to immediately improve surveillance and discipline in prisons while the government works to fill over 1,200 vacant regular warden posts. The ex-servicemen will be appointed on a temporary contractual basis, with the initiative expected to cost the state nearly ₹20 crore annually.
The recruitment process has already been initiated, with the Director General of Police (Prisons), Alok Kumar, directing the State Ex-Servicemen Welfare Society to begin hiring procedures. Authorities emphasized that the selection will be strict, ensuring that only physically fit and suitable candidates are appointed for sensitive security roles.
Under the eligibility criteria, candidates must be below 45 years of age, meet high physical fitness standards including the ability to complete a 3 km run within 20 minutes, and must have no criminal background. Officials said these requirements are essential to ensure discipline and effectiveness in high-security environments such as prisons.
The deployment plan has been structured strategically, with a major focus on strengthening the state’s most sensitive facility. Around 250 ex-servicemen will be stationed at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru, which has repeatedly been in the spotlight due to security concerns. The remaining personnel will be distributed across six other central prisons and eight district prisons in Karnataka.
Authorities stated that the ex-servicemen will primarily be posted at prison perimeters, entry points, and vulnerable zones, where illegal items such as mobile phones, drugs, and other contraband have been frequently smuggled in. Their presence is expected to significantly reduce such breaches and improve overall monitoring.
Investigations into past incidents have revealed that contraband often enters prisons through external throwing over compound walls and weak security at entry points, highlighting the urgent need for stronger physical surveillance. Officials believe that trained ex-military personnel will bring discipline, vigilance, and operational experience to address these gaps effectively.
The government has also used a provision under the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act, allowing direct contractual recruitment without a tender process, in order to speed up deployment. Authorities clarified that this is a temporary measure until permanent recruitment is completed.
Officials added that the ex-servicemen will undergo specialised training before deployment to ensure they are familiar with prison protocols and correctional facility management. Their performance and effectiveness will be closely monitored, and the government may decide on further expansion based on the results of this initiative.The decision is part of a broader reform push in Karnataka’s prison system, which has recently witnessed multiple controversies, including security breaches, internal disciplinary issues, and illegal communication networks operating from within jail premises.
