The state home department has provided Rs 40 lakh to Ghaghidih Central Jail to revamp poor lighting arrangements at the prison where security is suspect even though it houses some of the most notorious criminals and Naxalite leaders.

According to jailer Satyendra Chowdhury, who said the funds arrived on Monday, 90 per cent of the lights, including high-mast lamps on the jail premises were lying defunct for the past two years.

"There are four high-mast lamps - two in the jail compound and two inside, besides 60 street lights. Most of the halogen bulbs installed in them have got damaged due lack of proper maintenance. It was surely hampering the jail security. Hence, we wrote to the home department for replacement of these damaged lights and cable wires a year ago, which was granted. Jharkhand government has also provided funds for installing 20 additional street lamps in the jail," he told The Telegraph.

A senior jail official admitted that security at the prison located on the outskirts of Jamshedpur at Karandih under Parsudih police station, was not up to the mark as there were lesser number of security guards than the required strength.

Inadequate lighting added to the concerns.

"Out of a sanctioned strength of 212 guards, only 76 are deployed on the sprawling 13-acre prison campus. Only 11 among them were trained under the jail administration," said the official.

"Three 2G jammers are not functioning. Besides, only four out of 16 CCTV cameras installed on premises are functional," the official further said, adding that under such conditions, repair of the highmast lights and installation of additional street lamps in the jail were crucial to improve security.

Sources said the jail was to get an additional 24 CCTV cameras.

"We have already placed the order for their installation, which will be completed anytime this month," said a jail administration official.