Central Jail Overcrowded, Inmates Prefer Jagannathdewal Despite Congestion
Summary
Central Jail at Jagannathdewal in Sundhara is holding 3,986 inmates against a capacity of 2,300, while prisons across Nepal remain overcrowded. Former jailer Katuwal says inmates prefer staying in Kathmandu despite the congestion because of family access, court proximity, and easier visits, and argues that parole, open prisons and better infrastructure could ease pressure.
Key Points
- The Central Jail at Jagannathdewal is housing 3,986 inmates, far above its 2,300 capacity, and prisons across Nepal are also overcrowded.
- Former jailer Katuwal says inmates often resist transfer to Nuwakot because Kathmandu is closer to family, courts and support networks.
- He argues that parole and open-prison models could reduce pressure if Nepal develops stronger infrastructure, security and employment arrangements.
- He also says child reformatories and adult inmates need better separation, age-based blocks and legal reforms to address growing management problems.
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