The Bihar government has given its approval for the construction of a new sub-jail in the Simri Bakhtiyarpur sub-division of Saharsa district. This decision aims to improve prisoner management, strengthen security, and alleviate overcrowding in the state's jails. The government has granted administrative sanction for the acquisition of 25 acres of land for the sub-jail building, allocating an amount of Rs 17 crore 29 lakh 795 for this purpose.

According to a letter issued by the Directorate of Prisons and Correctional Services, Government of Bihar, the land will be acquired in Bhauara Mauja, Police Station No. 66, under Simri Bakhtiyarpur Anchal. The District Magistrate of Saharsa has been entrusted with the responsibility of land acquisition and compensation payment, with the estimated compensation amount set at Rs 17 crore 29 lakh 795. The withdrawal and expenditure of funds will be carried out according to the rules and circulars of the Finance Department.

The proposal for the construction of this sub-jail has received approvals at various levels. It was approved by the Standing Finance Committee of the Home Department on June 17, by the Deputy Chief Minister (Finance) on July 17, and by the Home Minister on August 5.

Currently, the Saharsa Divisional Jail has a capacity to house 805 inmates, comprising 745 males and 60 females. Last year, the capacity was 557 inmates (547 males and 10 females), which has since increased. Previously, in cases of overcrowding, inmates had to be transferred to jails in Supaul and Darbhanga, a situation that the new sub-jail is expected to mitigate.