Bhubaneswar: In a bid to further streamline prison infrastructure as part of ongoing correctional reforms, the Odisha government has decided to permanently close three jails following their merger with district jails in Nayagarh, Balasore and Bargarh districts. The decision was taken keeping administrative exigencies in view.

As per a notification by the State Home Department dated July 7, 2025, Khandapada sub-jail will be integrated with the district jail, Nayagarh. Similarly, Nilagiri sub-jail and Sohela sub-jail will be merged with district jails of Balasore and Bargarh, respectively. 

The letter, issued by the Additional Chief Secretary, also stated that the above jails will be denotified from the list of notified jails. The Director General & Inspector General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Odisha will take necessary steps to ensure transfer of under-trial and convicted prisoners to the merger jails, relocate staff and resources inconsultation with the Home Department, secure and preserve buildings of the denotified jails (until handed over to the concerned district administrations for their use or repurposing), update official records and inform all stakeholders, the guidelines mentioned. 

The order is deemed to come into force with immediate effect.