Overcrowding Hits State's Only Borstal School

The correctional facility, built to accommodate 3 to 4 individuals each, now holds up to 7 to 9 inmates per cell

- Abdul Nazer M A @Kochi

Kerala's only borstal school—a correctional facility aimed at reforming and rehabilitating offenders aged 18 to 21—is battling severe overcrowding and systemic neglect. Located in Kakkanad, Ernakulam, the institution currently houses over 105 male inmates, far exceeding its sanctioned capacity of 66.

The facility, built with just 16 cubicle-style cells meant to accommodate three to four individuals each, now holds up to seven to nine inmates per cell.

"At any given time in recent years, the number of inmates has hovered between 100 and 120," said a warden at the facility, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Around 60 to 70% of the inmates are released—after securing bail—within one or two months. Some remain for four months to a year, depending on their behavior and progression through a grading system—from 'ordinary' grade to 'star' and finally 'special star'—as approved by the superintendent," the warden said.