24-hour duty, ban on phone use: New government order irks Kerala prison staffers

Ernakulam: Prison staff across Kerala have voiced strong protests against a new order from the Prison Department banning all employees, except superintendents, from carrying or using mobile phones inside state jails.

In the district jail, special sub-jail, and women’s jail, duty hours last 24 hours, day and night. During this time, staff reportedly cannot contact their families even once. There may be sick parents at home, small children, and they have no way of knowing how they are.

The order, issued on September 18 by the Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, has sparked widespread resentment among officers, particularly those working long shifts in difficult conditions.

While four central jails and two open prisons in the state follow an eight-hour duty system, most district jails, sub-jails, special sub-jails, high-security, and women’s prisons operate on a 24-hour duty cycle. Many of these facilities lack adequate accommodation and rest areas for staff.

Adding to this, several employees commute long distances from other districts, yet are now prohibited from bringing their mobile phones inside prison premises.

Earlier, officers were allowed to keep phones in prison offices for emergency use. However, the privilege was revoked after a few staff members allegedly posted social media updates or opinions during duty hours. The department has enforced this ban without providing lockers or any secure alternative for storing employees’ phones outside.

Prison staff have condemned the move as “unjust and insensitive,” pointing out that while accused prisoners are allowed to use government-issued phones, the same privilege is being denied to employees performing round-the-clock duties.