Chennai: The state govt has doubled relief under the Tamil Nadu Victim Compensation Fund Rules, 2009, citing prevailing economic conditions and rehabilitation needs. Compensation for death or murder has been raised from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh, while assistance for grievous and simple injuries have been increased to ₹40,000 and ₹20,000, respectively.Announcing the measures in the assembly on Friday, minister for energy and law R Nirmalkumar said that a new 500-inmate district jail would be established in Tiruvallur at a cost of ₹48 crores to decongest Puzhal Central Prison and reduce prisoner transit costs.He also announced a 50-bed integrated mental health care centre at Vellore Central Prison at ₹3.6 crores, while an ITI would be established inside Chennai Central Prison-I at ₹8 crores for vocational training of inmates.He said govt would deploy 18 more doctors and 29 nurses across prisons and appoint part-time psychologists in 13 district jails.Other measures include 400 AI-based CCTV cameras, de-addiction centres in seven district jails and prison kitchen modernisation at ₹21 crores. Canteen purchase limits for prisoners would also be doubled, he said.
