A file picture of the Hotwar Jail. For the third time, the inauguration of the prison was postponed and, moreover, an inspection team found various inadequacies on the campus

Ranchi, Nov. 13: It is going to be third time unlucky for the new Birsa Munda Central Jail at Hotwar.

The officials have an excuse as to why the prison cannot be inaugurated now, but they have no comments as to why the prison is not ready to function, as was recently pointed out by an inspection team.

After two failed attempts, the much-hyped 22-crore project was expected to see a gala opening on the Statehood Day. But with the sudden death of former President K.R. Narayanan, all celebrations and ceremonies, including the jail opening, stands cancelled.

Inspector-general of prisons Sabhapati Khuswaha said he had talked to the state home secretary to reorganise the dates.

?I have been always telling that the work is on the verge of completion. I have had a talk with the home secretary in this regard. But after the Giridih incident (in which Maoists attacked and killed home guards recently), everyone has become busy. It could take some time before the new date of inauguration is fixed,? he said and added that the unfinished work would be ?completed very soon?.

A recent inspection of the jail, by senior officials, brought to light the fact that several things needs to be completed in the prison in order to make it fully functional.

And, observers noted, the completion of the work could take a long time.

According to sources, a team led by South Chhotanagpur commissioner Radhe Shyam Poddar and other senior officials had visited the jail a couple of days ago. This team had noted that the jail lacks several amenities and that it could take some time before it would be completed.

Sources said the team questioned the construction of a watchtower, saying that it had no arrangements to shelter security personnel, who would be posted on the tower, from sunlight or heavy downpour. They have asked the authorities concerned to immediately make the necessary arrangements.

Questions were also raised on the deputation of security in the prison premises. At present, as many as 80 security personnel have been deputed to look after the security in the prison. According to the team, the required number should be doubled to ensure foolproof security.

The lack of doctors was another important point that the team noted. The jail has just two doctors at present, while there is a provision of nine. The officials concerned did not want to comment on this matter.

Moreover, the absence of vehicles for transportation of security men has also posed a problem.

Initially, the jail was to be inaugurated on June 9, and then again another date was set for August 15. But both times the opening ceremonies were postponed for due to various reasons.