Chapter 10

Rehabilitation and Welfare of Prisoners

Chapter – 10

Rehabilitation and Welfare of Prisoners

The reformation and rehabilitation of long way in developing a responsive and offenders is the ultimate objective of respectful attitude in them towards the prison administration. In pursuance to society. meet this objective, many States/UTs under direction and supervision of A total of 1,16,968 prisoners had been Central Government have been taking educated in the country during the year number of initiatives in the field of 2017. Out of the total prisoners educated, rehabilitation and welfare of prison 50,751 prisoners were provided inmates. Elementary education, 44,338 prisoners were provided Adult education, 13,538 Central Government through Ministry prisoners were provided higher education of Home Affairs is running various and 8,341 prisoners were educated in the schemes not only for improvement of field of Computers (Table 10.1). prison infrastructure with emphasis on hygiene condition, but also organizing The States of Telangana, Uttar national as well as international Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh has conferences on correctional reported that 13,218, 9,825 and 5,768 administration for sensitization of prison prisoners were educated in the field of staff. The Ministry of Home Affairs has Elementary education. The States of framed ‘Model Prison Manual (2016)’. Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh have reported that As prison is State subject, hence 11,419, 6,844 and 4,130 prisoners were overall supervision and management of educated in the field of Adult education. prisons is under direct control of State The States of Uttar Pradesh, Telangana Government / UT Administrations. and Haryana have reported that 2,657, Various good practices adopted/ shared 2,367 and 1,232 prisoners were educated by the States/UTs have been in field of Higher education. State/ UT wise summarised under following two broad such details may be seen in Table 10.1. heads: A. Rehabilitation and welfare A snapshot of good initiatives B. Grievances undertaken by States/UTs in the field of education are discussed below: A. Rehabilitation and welfare Some good initiatives adopted by (i) Educational Program in States

States/UTs towards rehabilitation and welfare of prisoners are summarised 1. Assam: Educational programme below under following head: imparted to the inmates by providing Degree/Diploma courses I. Education with the help of distance learning Educating jail inmates not only in special study centers opened in provides a corrective approach to the the number of jails. psyche of the offender but also goes a

209 2. Bihar: Following programmes are  Before 2010, both the above being operated in the field of universities were charging fees education: from the prisoners. However,  Educational activities are an both the universities are integral part of the daily routine providing education at free of of the prisons in Bihar. cost to the prisoners after  The prisoners are provided the 2010. facility of education in the jail  through National Institute of Before 2010, female prisoners Open Schooling (NIOS), Bihar were not enrolled in these Board of Open Schooling and universities. However, female Examination (BBOSE), prisoners were enrolled since Nalanda Open University year 2016. In year 2017, 122 (NOU) and IGNOU. female prisoners have been  Apart from that, the NGOs are enrolled in various courses. also involved in educational  activities in the jails of Bihar. Anganwadies have been started for innocent children 3. Gujarat: Following programmes living with their mothers in are being operated in the field of /Vadodara central education: prison with the help of a  Study centres of Dr. Baba reputed NGO. Saheb Ambedkar Open  Primary school has been University were functional at started for the children of only Ahmedabad / Vadodara female prisoners at central prison & Junagadh Ahmedabad/Vadodara central District jail before 2010. Now prison by a reputed NGO. study centres of Dr. Baba  A leading NGO appointed fully Saheb Ambedakar open trained lady teachers and University have been music teachers for female functioning at every jail since sections of Ahmedabad central 2011, covering all jails up to prison and Vadodara central sub jails. prison to educate illiterate  Before 2010, on an average 16 women. to 60 prisoners were enrolled in  35 prisoners and 92 prisoners various courses of Dr. Baba of different categories have Saheb Ambedkar Open given examination of 10th std. University. During the year and 12th std. respectively 2017, 222 inmates have conducted by the Gujarat enrolled. Secondary Educational Board,  Before 2010, average number Gandhinagar, Gujarat. of prisoners enrolled in Indira Gandhi National Open 4. Himachal Pradesh: IGNOU study University were 20 to 38 per center has been setup for year, which has increased to providing educational facilities to 1172 in year 2017. prisoners. Regional Director, IGNOU held seminar in March,

210 2017 to make Prisoners aware State Open about available courses. University (KSOU) and IGNOU at Government Professional courses are cost. being designed to train prison staff so that they meet out the 8. Tamil Nadu: In order to achieve challenges immaculately. 100% literacy amongst the prison inmates, a programme has been 5. Haryana: – IGNOU (Indira Gandhi launched in co-ordination with the National Open University) Centres Ministry of Human Resource have been set up in Central Jail, Development, Government of Ambala, Hisar-I, Hisar-II, District and the Education Department of Jail Bhiwani, Faridabad, Sirsa, Tamil Nadu. Indira Gandhi Karnal, Gurgaon, Rohtak, National Open University is also Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, conducting various courses for the Sonepat and Yamuna Nagar to benefit of the prisoners. enable prison inmates to study Mahatma Gandhi Community and acquire higher qualifications Colleges approved by the Tamil after 10+2, so as to provide them Nadu Open University have been better employment opportunities established in all the Central after release from the Jails. Prisons, Special Prisons for Further, National Institute of Open Women and Borstal School, Schooling (NIOS) Centres have Pudukkottai. been opened at all jails (except Education being imparted is Panipat, Palwal and Rewari which categorized based on the level of are very small and have individual attainment as (i) Primary population of 30 to 50 prisoners level (ii) Elementary School level only) to enable the prison inmates (iii) Higher Secondary level (iv) to get education upto 10+2 level. Graduation and Post-Graduation

through Open Universities and (v) 6. Jammu & Kashmir: Special Study Centres of IGNOU have been Diploma and Degree courses to established in various Jails impart useful job-oriented skills to through which most of Jail inmates the inmates. The services of the are pursuing their education. educated inmates are utilized for teaching. 7. Karnataka: Literacy classes are conducted by the teachers who Elementary Schools are are working on deputation from functioning with qualified teachers education department. Following in all Central Prisons / Special are the courses offered to the Prisons for Women and Borstal prisoners: School, Pudukkottai. Distance  Basic / elementary Education facility is provided to the education prisoners at Government cost.  Permission to pursue higher education through

211 9. Uttarakhand: Illiterate willing books and 11,514 magazines in prisoners are being provided free the year 2017. elementary education. Indira Gandhi National Open University 4. Himachal Pradesh: A good library (IGNOU) & National Institute of having books based on literature, Open Schooling (NIOS) have religions, auto biography of established their special study renowned persons etc. is available centre in Uttarakhand prisons with in jails of Himachal Pradesh and the purpose of providing free prisoners are making best use of education right from Secondary them. Courses to post Graduate courses. 5. Karnataka: Library facility has Besides the above, lndira been provided in the various jails Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is also offering certificate, of Karnataka.

diploma and post graduate level 6. Maharashtra: Books, newspapers diploma courses. have been provided to the 10. Andaman & Nicobar Islands: prisoners. Various educational programmes 7. Tamil Nadu: are being conducted to help the The prisoners are prisoners to improve their standard availing the facility of borrowing of education. books from the Libraries in the Prisons. Thus, these facilities not only provide recreation, but also (ii) Library Facility in Prisons help to improve the mental health

of the prisoners. 1. Assam: Reading of books, magazines, etc. from jail libraries II. Health and writing of poems and other pieces for magazines were State/UTs have taken various launched in a number of jails of measures to improve health care and Assam. sanitation, promote Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Yoga and Meditation 2. Bihar: Library facilities are among prison inmates. A snapshot of provided in all jails of Bihar. such initiatives are discussed below:

3. Gujarat: The libraries of jails of (i) Health Care & Sanitation Gujarat are enriched with good books and magazines. In 1. Bihar: In the field of Health, response to the appeal for following steps are taken by the donating books and magazines Bihar Jails : made to various prominent  Mandatory health screening institutes / individuals, jails libraries of all newly admitted have been enriched with 1,19,072 prisoners.

212  Prisoners’ Hospitals have 5. Jammu and Kashmir: A sizable been upgraded with number of Doctors and Para facilities. Medical Staff are sanctioned in  Full time medical officers on different Jails of J&K State to deputation from health provide medical treatment to Jails department are posted to inmates. 10 bedded Hospitals are provide treatment to functional in three big Jails and 5 prisoners. Contractual bedded Hospitals are functional in doctors are also appointed District Jails. In case of any for treatment to prisoners. serious ailment, Jail inmates are  Medical facilities are shifted to the Hospitals outside for provided to the inmates. providing necessary treatment.  Medical camp/awareness Moreover, organizing general programme are organized screening of inmates and by Government hospitals / employees for HIV / Hepatitis-B / doctors. Tuberculosis / diabetics is also  NGOs have also actively being done in the jails of Jammu & participated in medical Kashmir. awareness programme in Female prisoners are various jails of Bihar. provided adequate clean clothing 2. Gujarat: Medical camps are and bedding, sufficient water for organized timely for medical daily use and drinking. Even check-up of prisoners in the jails of sanitary pads are being provided Gujarat. Many mega medical for their use. Female inmates are camps were organized in the year sent to civil hospital for medical 2017, in all the jails with the help treatment on the advice of Medical of local renowned private officer and when the need arises. hospitals, leading NGOs in which The women prisoners who are in approx. 21460 prisoners family way are sent to civil participated. hospitals, for prenatal and postnatal care. Children with 3. Himachal Pradesh: Health and Women Prisoners are provided AIDS awareness camps were special care. organized in collaboration with 6. Karnataka: Following steps have regional hospital in the jails of been taken by Karnataka jails in Himachal Pradesh. the field of health: 4. Haryana: 34 posts of Medical  10 retired Government officers have been sanctioned for Medical Officers on contract the Jails of Haryana State for basis have been appointed providing best health and Medical to ease the problem of facilities to the convicts confined in shortage of doctors in the Jails. prisons - with consolidated

213 pay of Rs.40000/- per and restored them back month. home.  Integrated Counselling and  Workshops on Mental Testing Centre (ICTC) / Health Awareness and Care Voluntary Counselling and held for prisoners. Testing Centre (VCTC)

equipped with necessary 8. Nagaland: In the jails of Nagaland infrastructure and technical Health camps are organized on and counselling personnel regular basis for prisoners and at Central Prison, also a mini health clinic has been for testing of HIV set up at central jail in association / AIDS inmates. with Community Awareness  MoU with Karnataka State Development (CAD) Foundation. AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS) entered to screen, 9. Tamil Nadu: To ensure availability detect and treat HIV/AIDs of purified water for prisoners, and Tuberculosis. State Government has sanctioned  MoU with Trauma and a sum of Rs.51.75 lakhs in year Emergency Services, 2015 towards the purchase and Government Victoria installation of Reverse Osmosis Hospital, Bengaluru to (RO) Plants with a capacity of attend health issues of 1000 litres per hour in 9 Central inmates at Central Prison, Prisons and 500 litres per hour in Bengaluru. 3 Special Prisons for Women at  Health Camps and Health Puzhal, Vellore and Tiruchirappalli awareness programmes for safe and pure water. were organized in Hospitals in Central Prisons coordination with and Special Prisons for Women Government and reputed are well-equipped to meet the private medical colleges. medical needs of prisoners. In 7. Maharashtra: Following steps these hospitals, experienced have been taken in Maharashtra doctors supported by adequate jails in the field of health: para-medical staff for treatment of  Specialized health camps prisoners have been provisioned. are organized on regular Prisoners who need specialized basis in prisons with quality inpatient care are admitted in medicines. Prison Hospitals.

 First aid trainings were Ambulances are provided to organized for inmates and all Central Prisons, Special staff to respond to Prisons for Women. Clinical emergencies in prison. Laboratories, Electro Cardiogram,  Terminally ill patients Auto-Blood Analyzer, identified and their release Ophthalmoscope, Glucometer and secured with judicial order Portable X-Ray equipment have

214 been provided to Central Prisons Puzhal and in Central Prison, to carry out diagnostic tests. Madurai. Basic medical Periodical Medical Camps are equipments have been purchased conducted to screen all prisoners and utilized for Special Sub Jail, for specific types of health Salem, Special Prison for Women, problems. Tiruchirappalli and Puzhal, Borstal School, Pudukkottai, Central Furthermore, in order to Prisons, Coimbatore and Salem. address the specialized medical requirements of prisoners, transit With a view to preventing facility for shifting prisoners to contagious diseases among the other hospital / specialized prisoners, usage of knife for hospital outside the prison have shaving has been dispensed with. been provisioned. Prisoners of 4 Now two disposable shaving District Jails (Srivaikundam, razors are provided to prisoners Nagercoil, Virudhunagar and once in a month at a cost of Dindigul), 8 Women Sub Jails Rs.43.68 lakh per annum. (Thuckalai, Paramakudi, Nilakottai, In addition to above measures, Mettupalayam, Krishnagiri, existing sanitation facilities have Cuddalore, Thiruvarur and been improved in Prisons at a cost Lalgudi) and 2 Special Sub Jails of Rs.3.60 crore so as to protect (Kokkirakulam, Salem) have the prisoners from any transited prisoners requiring communicable diseases. specialized treatment to hospitals located outside the prisons. Further, Government has sanctioned a sum of Rs.2.19 crore As a health care measure, in year 2016 for purchase of 13 smoking and use of tobacco have types of life saving medical been banned in prisons. Integrated equipments for all 9 Central Counselling and Testing Centres Prisons, 3 Special Prisons for (ICTC) are established in all Women and Borstal School, Central Prisons for checking H.I.V. Pudukkottai and for use in 30 among inmates. The inmates of Ambulances. Central Prisons are subjected to undergo H.I.V. test after due Prolonged confinement of counselling. In addition to this, prisoners can cause increased Directly Observed Treatment stress levels. Higher stress Strategy Centres (DOTS) are manifests itself in violent behavior, established in all Central Prisons depression as well as suicidal to eradicate T.B. among the tendencies. Hence, Psychologists prisoners. have been appointed in all Central Prisons, Special Prisons for Furthermore, as a welfare Women and District Jails and measure for prisoners, life-saving Borstal School, Pudukkottai and equipments have been installed in their services are utilized to treat Ambulances in Central Prison-I, and counsel prisoners suffering

215 from depression and exhibiting 10. Uttar Pradesh: Three AIDS violent behaviour. Counselling prevention camps were instills confidence in the organized to protect prisoners from depressed mind of prisoners and fatal diseases at the District Prison, bring forth faith in themselves, Rae Bareli. which eliminates suicidal tendencies. Eye examination camp was organized for examination of eyes of Prisoners requiring psychiatric the inmates in various jails of Uttar treatment are admitted in Pradesh. Government Institute of Mental Health, Chennai. The services of 11. : In order to have better Psychiatrists from Government healthcare of prisoners, UT Delhi Hospitals are also utilized to take has taken several good intiatives. care of those mentally ill prisoners. Some of them are as under :

In order to ensure better Prison administration has upkeep of mental health of the set up an Integrated Counselling mentally disturbed prisoners, 2 and Testing Centre (ICTC) in Counsellors are engaged in each Central Jail Hospital for detecting Central Prison. In addition to HIV positive inmates and their counselling, activities like physical treatment is started immediately. training, yoga and meditation, indoor and outdoor games are All prison inmates, who are organized for prisoners. At suspected to be suffering from HIV present, 19 Non-Government infection, are tested in ICTC Organizations are engaged in Centre as per NACO (National these efforts. Aids Control Organization) guidelines, which includes pre and At the time of admission post test counselling. An ICTC is and afterwards, women prisoners a place where a person is are examined by a lady Assistant counselled and tested for HIV, of Surgeon and the observations are his own free will or as advised by a recorded in the Medical Sheet. medical provider. The main Priority is given to day-to-day care functions of an ICTC are: of pregnant women. Gynecological  Conducting HIV examination is conducted and pre- diagnostic tests. natal and post-natal care is given  Providing basic according to the requirements of information on the modes each case. Emergency Leave is of HIV transmission, and granted to pregnant prisoners for promoting behavioural having delivery outside the change to reduce prisons. Sanitary Napkins are vulnerability. provided to female prisoners free of cost.

216  Link people with other DOTS Therapy is being HIV prevention, care and provided at all dispensaries of treatment services. Jails.

 Earlier this facility was Complete Dental Unit has available in DDU Hospital been setup in Central Jail Hospital, (adjacent to Tihar) where all jails (except Jail No. 7) prison inmates were being sent. Pulse Polio immunization programs are carried out regularly Integrated Counseling and as per Pulse Polio schedule of Testing Centre (ICTC) for HIV is Delhi Government in CJ-6. functioning in Central jail Hospital The prisoners suffering from from June 2008. 2599 males and various contagious diseases has 70 females were counselled, 2600 been provisioned be kept male & 70 female tested for HIV, separately. 170 male & 7 female were found positive for HIV. Special Medical Diet for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis patients Prisoners are referred to and other deserving inmates are various Specialty and Super provided. Specialty Hospitals for providing care as per Standing Orders. 67 Doctors & 115 Nodal Officers are designated in Nursing/Paramedical Staff 14 Hospitals of GNCTD & deputed for Prison Health Care. Safdarjung Hospital where prison Furthermore, 120 Bedded Hospital inmates in need are referred. Also, with Medicine, Surgery, TB and Specialist Doctors in 08 Psychiatric Wards and 120 Specialties are visiting Central jail Bedded De-addiction Centre (ISO Tihar to provide at door services. Certification) have been setup.

This has minimized outside Round the clock Emergency referral. Services have been provisioned in Medical Camps are all Jails. organized on regular basis in jails. A Minor OT in Central Jail

Mental Health Unit formed Hospital for minor surgical for streamlining and providing procedures has been established. mental health services. 86 inmates Investigation facilities for in Central Jail, 13 inmates in Biochemistry, Pathology, X-Ray Female Jail were admitted in and ECG are also available. respective indoor ward / MI Room for mental illness during 2016. All inmates, who are

Committee to examine reported to be drug addicts, are terminally ill Patients has been identified on the very first day of constituted. This is provisioned for their admission and directly sent to specific medical attention. De-Addiction-Centre where they

217 are initially treated for withdrawal  Cleaning and chlorination of symptoms and after de-toxification water storage tanks/ syntax process is over, they are sent to tanks in the premises. specially earmarked Rehabilitation  Clearing of all roofs of various ward, being run in collaboration wards/ offices of the complex. with NGOs for further counselling and rehabilitation.  Immediate removal of garbage from the premises, 12. Puducherry: The health camp  Regular cutting of grass in such as Eye camp, Dental camp parks, and General camp for all diseases are conducted regularly by the Jail  Pruning of trees and removal of Department, Puducherry for the brushes, prisoners. The prisoners are  Regular cleaning and repairing screened by the Jail Medical of barrack/cell/common toilets. Officer during admission to prisons  of any disease such as HIV and Regular washing of clothes and T.B symptoms are diagnosed, the bedding material, particular prisoner is referred to  Providing sufficient supplies for the Government General Hospital shaving, cutting of hair and for further treatment. nails by the deputed barbers so as to maintain physical hygiene Clean drinking water is of the prisoners. provided to the prisoners and necessary sewage plant is  White-washing/ painting provided for sanitation facilities. buildings after repair work. Clean toilet and bathroom are  Removal of damaged furniture, provided in each and every cell. and having the same repaired / condemned as per existing (ii) Swachh Bharat Abhiyan rules, and weeding out of the old records 1. Delhi: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan or  Providing soap, toiletries, the Clean India Mission is a toothpaste, toothbrush etc. to national level initiative launched by all prisoners. the Government of India to clean the streets and other public areas of the country. The inmates and The Abhiyan is a regular jail officials have also participated feature in all Delhi Jails. In the in this initiative. Cleanliness drives year 2017, better results have are conducted on a daily basis in been received due to the Swachh the prison. Some important steps Bharat Abhiyan. which have been taken towards a "Swachh Tihar" are as follows: Attention is being given to  Removal of malba and building high level of sanitation and material. maintenance of hygiene in each

218 jail. Zero level of garbage is being training for the development of maintained in all jails by daily lifting Physical and Mental health is of garbage. Four sewage being done in the jails of Kerala. treatment plants have been set up 8. Maharashtra: For the benefit of to recycle the sewage waste and Prisoners’ physical/mental fitness, the resultant water is used for awareness program on “YOGA” horticulture and toilets purposes. was organized and regular training

was imparted. The participation 2. A & N Islands: The Jail personnel level by prisoners was very good of A & N Islands is regularly and successful in the jails of motivating prisoners towards Maharashtra. Swachh Bhjarat Abhiyan to keep the surroundings neat and clean. 9. Punjab: Yoga and Meditation training is being imparted to (iii) Yoga and Meditation prisoners in the jails of Punjab.

10. Tamil Nadu: To enable the 1. Assam: Training in Yoga and prisoners to achieve right mental Meditation is being provided in the and emotional balance, yoga and jails of Assam. meditation classes are being

conducted in the jails of Tamil 2. Bihar: Meditation, Yoga and Nadu. Vipassana etc. are conducted in all

jails of Bihar. 11. Uttar Pradesh: Aghor Peeth

3. Gujarat: To change the mindset of Sarveshwari Group Institute is prisoners, various programmes on imparting yoga meditation to Art of Living, Yoga, entertainment detained prisoners from time to and religious lectures were time. arranged during the year. On the occasion of International Yoga Day 2017, 800 4. Haryana: Regular Yoga, Prayers detainees were offered yoga by and meditation camps are Nirmal Prem Ashram Unnao at organized in all jails in Haryana. District Prison, Unnao.

5. Jammu & Kashmir: Meditation, 12. Uttarakhand: Yoga Acharyas Yoga and vippasana are being from Patanjali Yogpeeth Haridwar conducted in all Jails of J&K. visit prisons to teach yoga to lodged inmates. 6. Karnataka: Yoga and Meditation classes are organized in the jails International yoga day was of Karnataka. also celebrated in prisons as a part of ongoing movement to 7. Kerala: Construction of Prayer adapt yoga life style. Hall, Yoga / Meditation hall in Central Prison, Thiruvanantha- 13. Delhi: Yoga, meditation and puram and Kannur for imparting spiritual activities, an important

219 component of reformation and preparing some of the inmates as rehabilitation policy of Delhi professional yoga trainers which Prisons, bring qualitative change will help them to get a suitable in the life of prisoners. A number of employment after their release Non-Governmental organizations form the Jail. To give a concrete are helping the Jail administration shape to the thought, a formal in carrying out various activities inauguration of “Yoga Teachers and augment religious preaching Training Course” for the inmates to inmates. Some of these are has been started in Jails by Vipassana, Art of Living, Raj Yog, Panchvati Yoga Ashram and Sahaj Yoga and satsang. Nature Cure Centre (NGO).

Thousands of prisoners have participated in the meditational 14. Puducherry: Prisoners are being programmes conducted and a given training in Yoga in various marked change has been jails of Puducherry. observed in the behaviour of such prisoners. Further, during morning III. Vocational Training hours the prisoners do yoga and physical exercises. Daily Yoga Training is one of the important classes are being conducted in rehabilitation measurements in the field of Delhi Prisons under Panchwati Yoga prison reforms. Nowadays training of Ashram Care Centre (NGO). prisoners in various vocational skills in the

Prison Institutions has received a lot of It was a proud moment for importance in almost all the States/UTs. all Indians when 21st June 2015 was celebrated as World Yoga (i) Vocational Programs in States Day. It was possible only due to the persuasion by Government of A total of 47,390 prisons inmates were India in United Nations. Delhi provided with various vocational training Prisons grabbed this opportunity during the year 2017 (details can be seen with both hands and a massive in the Table 10.2 & Chart 10.1). one month yoga training State/UT-wise analysis of vocational programme was started with the training imparted to prison inmates reveals help of NGO Panchwati that a good number of prison inmates in Yogashram for preparation of the Delhi, Bihar, Gujarat, Punjab, Uttar World yoga Day. A record Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, breaking 12000 (Approx.) inmates Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Haryana participated simultaneously in all were benefitted by vocational training. A Jails on 21st June, 2017 to total of 6,956 (14.68%), 3,975 (8.39%), celebrate this occasion. A number 3,751 (7.92%), 3,367 (7.10%), 3,208 of national & international media (6.77%), 2,985 (6.30%), 2,905 (6.13%), have reported this historic event of 2,899 (6.12%), 2,241 (4.73%) and 2,155 yoga celebrations in Tihar. Yoga (4.55%) inmates were benefitted with practice in all jails are continuing various vocational trainings in these States and the NGO is also helping in respectively during the year 2017.

220 Bihar (492). A total of 950 inmates in (ii) Vocational Training - Profession Gujarat, 475 inmates in Maharashtra, 291 wise inmates in Madhya Pradesh were The maximum number of prison imparted training in carpentry. Maximum inmates was trained in ‘weaving’ (9.10%) inmates imparted with training in canning (4,314 out of 47,390) followed by ‘tailoring’ were in Assam (560). Gujarat (1211) and (6.95%) (3,292 out of 47,390), ‘carpentry’ Madhya Pradesh (757) inmates were (5.99%) (2,841 out of 47,390) and trained in weaving. Kerala (110) and ‘agriculture’ (5.41%) (2,565 out of 47,390) Telangana (76) inmates were trained in (Chart 10.1 & Table-10.2). making of soap & phenyl. Madhya Pradesh (165) and Punjab (96) inmates State/UT-wise details reveal that were trained in handloom during 2017. majority of training in agriculture activities were imparted in Punjab (921) followed by

Weaving Tailoring (9.1%) (6.9%) Carpentry (6.0%) Agriculture activities (5.4%)

Making of Soap & Phenyle (1.0%) Handloom (0.9%) Others (69.1%) Canning (1.4%)

 As per data provided by States/UTs. Distribution of Prison Inmates by the Type of Vocational Training done during 2017 Chart – 10.1

A snapshot of good initiatives undertaken by States/UTs in the field of vocational Vocational Training training are discussed below: provided to prisoners to enhance employability potential after their 1. Assam: Rehabilitation programme release and help in their for prisoners lodged in prisons rehabilitation. such as Educational training, Computer literacy etc. are being 2. Bihar: The number of initiatives imparted among the prisoners of taken by Bihar jail department in jails in Assam.

221 the field of vocational training are successfully in different jails of the as under: Gujarat State. Dairy products,  Numbers of organizations embroidery, ornamental wooden are involved in imparting products, are being manufactured skill training for prisoners. under training-cum-production  Trainings of Inmates scheme in Gujarat Prisons to through RSETI:- Approx. impart vocational skills to prisoners 1500 Inmates were trained for their rehabilitation, after by Rural Self Employment release. Training Institute (RSETI) in different trades / courses in Vocational training Bihar Prisons. programmes in various training  Trainings of inmates field such as craft baker, pickle through prison industry: 06 maker, bamboo met weaver, street Central Prisons & 02 District vendor, basket maker, bakery etc. Prison of Bihar have have been started at different jails industrial units such as of the State under PMKY. bakery plant, soap making plant, phenyl making, cloth Different training making, blanket making, programmes such as jewellery utensil, wood furniture, tent making, diamond polishing, toy making etc. for the training making, voice recording, motor and rehabilitation centers of cycle repair, plumbing, medicated prisoners. plant and nursery, snacks making,  Training of inmates are weaving, sanitary napkin (female being provided by Non branch), painting, carpentry, Government Organizations vermin compost, Arc and Gas in various fields in Bihar welder, spoken English training prison. and modern agriculture are being  Under Bihar Skill run at various jails for prisoners as Development Mission a part of reformation / rehabilitation (BSDM), nominated training after their release. providers have started skill development units under 4. Haryana: Vocational Training is domain skill programme. being imparted to prison Inmates Their programme is under in jails with the help of RSETI/Lead progress in 08 Central Jails Banks, Technical Education of Bihar. Department Haryana and NGOs in trades like Plumbing, Electrician, 3. Gujarat: The employment related Motorcycle repairs, Refrigerator training-cum-production industries repairing, Hair cutting, Beautician, such as Bakery, cattle feeding, Handicrafts, Painting, Computer agriculture, bhajiya house, Data entry etc. Approximately, carpentry, weaving, chemical, 2153 prisoners have already been press, tailoring are working

222 enrolled under the scheme for courses, food making, office vocational training. automation, DTP, organic farming, umbrella making, sewing making 5. Himachal Pradesh: Skill of candles and agarbathies, enhancing courses are being beautician courses, coconut organized with the help of RSETI climbing, led bulb making, Dharamshala, NGO Umang, The television mechanism, doll making Art of Living and Community unit, bakery unit, mobile phone Development through Polytechnic repairing, chendamelam, hair so that Jail inmates can cutting, wiring, motor winding, rehabilitate with confidence as law readymade dress making, fashion abiding citizens. designing, furniture repairing,

6. Jammu & Kashmir: The following mushroom farming, pickle/squash vocational programmes are going making. Certificates are being issued by the authorized agencies on in Jails J&K: Candle Making, Electric Trade, Bamboo Art, to those who have completed the Weaving, Hair Cutting, course. Embroidery, Cutting and Tailoring 9. Nagaland: Following are the and Carpentry (Furniture making). various vocational training 7. Karnataka: Vocational training are programmes in the jails of the imparted in the following trades in Nagaland: the jails of Karnataka: Power  Bamboo handicrafts: looms and Handlooms, Tailoring, Beautifully crafted bamboo Carpet making, Printing, Foot wear handicrafts such as bamboo making, Tent making, Soap and basket, candle stand, phenyl manufacture, Black smithy decorative interior things, and steel furniture making, bamboo pen stand, murrah Laundry, Training in preparation of making etc. Bakery items, Wheel Chair  Winter crops cultivations to Refurbishing, Dress Designing, meet the basic kitchen Fabric Painting, Candle making, needs. Fashion Designing and Sanitary  Introduction and training of Pad Making. detergent making.  Sericulture: Silk worm 8. Kerala: In the jails of Kerala, rearing. vocational training programmes  Making of vermin compost: are conducted for prisoners to To create a nutrient rich make them self-dependent after organic fertilizer and soil their release from the jail. The conditioner for small scale inmates are engaged in various sustainable organic farming. vocational trainings like Computer  Making of vermin wash as a training, plumbing, paper bag foliar spray for crops. making, screen printing, file board  Tailoring. making, driving, electrician  Culinary training.

223  COPA (Computer Operator 10. Punjab: Male inmates are and Programming provided training with courses like: Assistant) electrician, welding, carpenter,  Cutting and Sewing floor mill operations, tailoring,  Welder (Gas & Electric) preparing of soap, plumbering, gardening, book binding, denting- With a view to offering painting, hair dressing, motor practical experience to the winding, agriculture training, prisoners, life-coping skills and computer training, etc. production skills are being imparted enabling them to have For females, vocational better employability on their training are provided in the fields release and preventing them from of beauty parlour courses, cutting reverting to crimes. To inculcate and tailoring, cooking, embroidery work habits during their etc. confinement in prisons and to impart new skills, several

industries such as Sealing Wax 11. Tamil Nadu: Mahatma Gandhi Industry, Weaving Industry, Boot Community Colleges approved by Industry, Book Binding Industry, the Tamil Nadu Open University Tag Industry, Soap Industry, have been established in all the Tailoring Unit, Bakery Unit, Hand Central Prisons, Special Prisons Made Paper Unit, Nursery for Women and Borstal School, Development, Agricultural Pudukkottai. Various educational Production, Compost Making etc., and vocational courses are offered have been established in the to the prisoners aimed at Prisons. Apart from the above empowering the prisoners towards industries, Fly Ash Bricks Industry, gainful employment on their Sanitary Napkin Production Unit, release. LED Lights Manufacturing cum

Training Unit have also been As a new initiative, recently established. Industrial Training Institute has

been established inside Central 12. Uttar Pradesh: The detained Prison, Tiruchirappalli. The prisoners in the prison are Industrial Training Institute is imparted training as per their wish functioning under the in the following fields: administrative control of  motor winding Department of Employment and  Training. Following are the trade sewing of clothes  offered by the State prison bakery training department:  Motor vending and  Filter computer training.   Electrician Flour Mill.  Barber and Becky Operator  Watt painting.

224  Envelopes include kiting, Jails to engage prisoners in beauty parlour and sewing positive activities. Some of the kadai training (for women vocations like blanket unit, soap prisoners). unit, artificial flower unit, dhoop  Electrician, Plumber, agarbatti making, fashion Gardener and Agriculture. designing etc. have been started so that prisoner may engaged 13. Uttarakhand: Uttarakhand Skill inside the prison in purposeful Development Mission (UKSDM) manner and also earn wages. conducted skill development Tihar has consistently been vocational courses in the following pioneer in putting forth the novel areas in which many inmates were ideas for rehabilitation of skilled and now on getting prisoners. The details of vocational released the inmates can also get courses that are taught in Delhi benefitted with the same. And they Prisons are as under: are- Computer, Art & Craft, personality  Organic Farming. development and life skills,  Beauty and wellness. painting, shoes making, English,  Multi cuisine cooking Weaving Section, cutting and classes. tailoring, crèche and Balwari  Carpentry works. training, Beauty Parlour, Plumber,  Fashion designing. Electrical, Adult Education, Music, Courses like beauty and Jute, Puppet Making, Papad and wellness was conducted by Pickle, Bag manufacturing, UKSDM with the purpose of Namkeen Unit, Dance, Jeans skilling the logged women inmates stitching, Perfumes, LED bulbs so that they may be rehabilitated etc. on release. Stick making, pen assembling programme was also Taking a leaf from the conducted to make the women ambitious project of ‘Pradhan inmate self-employed. Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna (PMKVY), Delhi Prisons, in 14. A & N Islands: Training in the association with the Ministry of fields of cane, bamboo & wooden Skill Development and furniture/handicrafts are being Entrepreneurship, Govt. of India, provided to prisoners on regular took a giant leap to start a basis. mammoth program of skill development for the inmates of 15. Delhi: Vocational activities form Delhi Jails at Tihar, Rohini and the integral part of Prison Mandoli. management so that a prisoner is taught vocation to create self The project was kick started confidence in his abilities to shun on 24th November 2015. This the path of crime. There are initiative is first of its kind in the various vocations taught in Delhi history of prisons in India, when

225 twelve hundred inmates of Delhi Tailoring work, Thread weaving Prisons, will be trained in different etc. The thread weaving work was kind of employable skills in the first carried out by Khadi, Puducherry. phase of the project. The two The convict prisoners are imparted training partners i.e. M/s IL & FS training to create candles and to and M/s Orion Edutech have been make bakery items which was identified by the Ministry to train sponsored by NGOs. the inmates in various skills i.e.

B.P.O, Retail Sales, Computer IV. Value of Goods Produced by Hardware, Trainee chef, beauty Inmates wellness etc. On successful completion of the course, the The training of jail inmates in the trainee inmates will be provided a vocational trades resulted in production of certificate from Govt. of India articles which have market value. The which will help them in finding a details of gross value of such products in suitable Job opportunity after their different States and UTs are given in release. These trained inmates Table- 10.3. may also get loan facility under ‘Pradhan Mantri Mudra Bank Telangana has reported the highest Yojna, which will help them to set gross value of sale proceeds of `59.923 up their own business as self- crore generated by the jail inmates employment. This initiative of Delhi followed by Tamilnadu (`56.834 crore) and Prisons will set up as a role model Maharashtra (` 30.502 crore) during the for other prisons of India to impart year 2017. The value of goods skill training to inmates which will produced per inmate was highest in not only help in their reformation Telangana (`108067) followed by and rehabilitation, but it will also Chandigarh (`41075) and Tamil Nadu prevent them falling into the (`40686) during the year 2017. Value of vicious circle of crime. goods produced by inmates in the year 2017 is presented in Chart 10.2. 16. Puducherry: The Convict prisoners are engaged in various fields such as Mat weaving,

226 TELANGANA 59.923 TAMIL NADU 56.834 MAHARASHTRA 30.502 KERALA 29.384 BIHAR 16.302 ANDHRA PRADESH 14.353 DELHI 13.991 UTTAR PRADESH 13.91 GUJARAT 8.579 CHHATTISGARH 7.051 JHARKHAND 6.972 WEST BENGAL 4.637 CHANDIGARH 3.972 MADHYA PRADESH 3.267 KARNATAKA 2.277 PUNJAB 1.892 States/ UTs States/ HARYANA 1.434 HIMACHAL PRADESH 1.213 UTTARAKHAND 1.164 ODISHA 0.915 RAJASTHAN 0.91 JAMMU & KASHMIR 0.132 ASSAM 0.075 GOA 0.056 TRIPURA 0.052 SIKKIM 0.023 A & N ISLANDS 0.009 MIZORAM 0.009 NAGALAND 0.003 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Gross Value of Sale Proceeds / Earnings (Rs. in Crores)

 As per data provided by States/UTs. State/UT-wise Value of Goods Produced by Prison Inmates during 2017 Chart – 10.2

V. Wages The States/UTs of Delhi, Karnataka and Puducherry has reported that rupees Prisoners who are engaged in labour 361, 225 and 180 per day are paid for are paid a nominal wage based on their skilled works in their States respectively. skills sets. Wages paid per day of work to The States/UTs of Delhi, Karnataka and the convicts is presented in (Table 10.4). Puducherry has reported rupees 328, 200 An average of rupees 97.53, rupees 82.74 and 160 per day paid for semi-skilled and rupees 74.44 were paid per day to works. The UT Delhi has paid highest Skilled, Semi-Skilled and Unskilled wages for unskilled works (297 rupees per prisoners respectively. day).

227 VI. Food and Clothing 4. Karnataka: Canteen facilities to inmates are provided in all Central

1. Bihar: The facility of canteen is and District Prisons. Canteens are made available in some jails of functioning on no profit and no Bihar. loss basis. Tea, Coffee, eatables, stationary articles are sold in The jail industries and canteen for exchange of coupons workshops are self-sufficient in issued to the prisoners out of their meeting the requirements of Prisoners' Personal Cash (PPC) or clothing. wages. 2. Gujarat: Benefits of fortified food are made available to the children Revised diet scale has been living with the female prisoners implemented since 2015 providing under the scheme of child nutritious food and quantity. There development of State Government are varieties in breakfast in the in the jails of Gujarat. jails of Karnataka.

3. Haryana: Bakery units have been Nutrious diet scale has fixed for installed in District Jail, Karnal, children (of age 0-6 months, 6 Sirsa and Bhiwani in the year months-1 year, 2-3 years and 3-6 2013, 2014 and 2015 respectively. years) as per Supreme Court guidelines New additions have been made to the dietary items of Separate food / diet scale is prisoners like Rajma, black channa fixed for pregnant and lactating and white channa. Now the women prisoners as per Supreme prisoners will get dal moong, dal Court guidelines chana, dal masoor, dal urad, black gram, white garm and rajma once Rs. 400/- instead of free ration in a week. is provided to lower executive staff (Warder, Head Warder, Chief Cashless System (in place of Warder and Drivers). coupon system) introduced in jail canteens in order to have more One night Meal and two cups transparency. The canteens are of coffee / tea are provided for stocked with all the necessary guarding staff working on night items which are sold at controlled shift prices i.e. purchase price +10% 5. Tamil Nadu: Nutritious and profit but not to exceed MRP. All balanced diet is provided to the goods are purchased through well- prisoners in hygienic manner as known wholesale dealers like per the scale prescribed in metro, best price, patanjali shops Chapter XXII of the Tamil Nadu etc. at reasonable rates. Prison Manual Volume-II. Medical

diets such as milk, bread, egg, chicken etc., are given to sick

228 prisoners on the recommendation provided to them at Government of the Medical Officers. Apart from cost. this, once in a week all non- vegetarian prisoners are supplied 6. Chandigarh: The social welfare with 115 grams of chicken and department in association with vegetarian prisoners are supplied Burail Jail, Chandigarh started with potato curry, kesari and a “Sarthi” a canteen to be run by banana. In the kitchen, stainless divyangjans of Asha Kiran, steel cooking vessels and trolleys Chandigarh. The products of are used and food items are Burail jail, Chandigarh would be served to prisoners in stainless sold by the divyangjans at saarthi steel plates and mugs. kiosk. The saarthi canteen has been launched with the aim of Special diet is provided to welfare and empowerment of the prisoners on the occasion of persons with disabilities. Pongal, Republic Day, Furthermore, by selling the jail Independence Day and Gandhi products, the skills of the jail Jayanthi. Government HAS inmates will also be encouraged. enhanced the amount spent for this purpose for each prisoner from The anganwari food project Rs.5/- to Rs.50/- per occasion in was started on 1st April, 2017 by year 2015. the model jail, Chandigarh. They As prolonged consumption are supplying food to 100 of ground nut oil which contains anganwari centres in Chandigarh surplus fat causes health issues to & catering to approx. 5000 the prisoners. Refined Sunflower children. Oil is used for preparation of food for prisoners for six days from 7. Delhi: A Smart Cash Card System Monday to Saturday and Gingelly has been introduced to assist Oil on Sundays. prisoners in their various monetary transactions with jail canteen, thus Clothing and bedding are replacing the old coupon system. provided to inmates as per the Every inmate is given a smart card norms laid down in the Tamil Nadu in which his transactions are Prison Manual. The Uniform of the credited. This has brought “B” Class convict prisoners has transparency in the accounts of been changed from half-pant to prisoners. Money of inmates is trousers. Terry cotton pants, shirts now credited in their accounts by and large sized blankets are name for use via smart card. A issued to the convicts. The remand prisoner is allowed to accept cash prisoners are permitted to bring worth Rs.1,500/- per week during their own clothing. If the remand the interview with family / friends. prisoners don’t have adequate clothing, sufficient clothes are

229 VII. Telephone Facility prisons across Maharashtra to have video call with their relatives. 1. Bihar: Outgoing telephone 6. Tamil Nadu: To facilitate prisoners facilities with voice recording to contact their relatives, friends facilities have been provided in and also their Advocates, 54 some jails of Bihar for prisoners. telephone booths were installed in

9 Central Prisons, 3 Special Prison calling solution has Prisons for Women and in Borstal been established in jails of Bihar. School, Pudukkottai, at a cost of Presently, 43 telephone booths Rs.2.01 crores. This facility have been installed. reduces the stress level of the

prisoners drastically as they are 2. Gujarat: Telephone facilities are able to contact their family being provided to prisoners in members, friends and their various jails of Gujarat. Advocates. As on 30.06.2016, this 3. Haryana: Prison Inmate Calling facility has been used 3,75,671 System (PICS) have been installed times by the prisoners. in all Jails in Haryana, (except the The Advocates are very small ones namely Panipat permitted to interview the and Rewari). Earlier, the prisoners prisoners on all days except were allowed to speak to their Sundays. Special interviews are family members twice a week. also organized for Advocates on Government has increased the Saturday’s upto 1 O'Clock. timings of calling from 10 minutes to 35 minutes weekly for male and For the convenience of 60 minutes for female inmates. By school and college going children introducing this facility, the family and working spouse of the members of prisoners residing at prisoners special interviews are far off places need not take the arranged on the first Sunday of trouble of travelling long distances every month. and it has also helped saving their time, money as well as reducing 7. Delhi: The 'Tihar inmates Phone over-crowding during Mulakat in Call System’, introduced in all the the Jails. jails to facilitate prisoners to communicate with their family / 4. Karnataka: Latest and Biometric friends daily, i.e. once in a day for based prison call systems have 05 minutes. been installed in all 9 Central Prisons and one District Prison, VIII. Crèche and Nursery Facility for Mangalore the Children

5. Maharashtra: Smart Video calling 1. Karnataka: Creche and nursery facility through smart phones has facilities for the children been started for all inmates in accompanying women inmates is open prisons and all female

230 provisioned in various jails of  Sport facilities for outdoor and Karnataka. indoor games for the inmates are available inside the jail. 2. Tamil Nadu: A creche and  Regular meditation camps / nursery have been attached to the religious programmes are also Special Prisons for Women to look organized in all jails. after the children. Special care is  Televisions are installed for bestowed on the nursing women prisoners for watching national inmates and they are supplied with and religious programmes. half a litre milk per day. Based on the recommendation of the 3. Haryana: Sports facilities for Medical Officer, baby foods are outdoor and indoor games for the provided to less than one year old inmates are available for babies accompanying the female recreation of prisoners in the jails prisoners, keeping in view the of Haryana. calorie requirement of growing child. 4. Himachal Pradesh: Television sets with DTH system are provided 3. Delhi: A Crèche and a Nursery in all barrack / cells of inmates. school is being run in association Besides, a music system is also with NGOs. There are trained available in which devotional workers and nursery education is songs, chants, bhajans are being provided to them in the crèche. played in jail in morning time and When the child attains the age of other special occassions. Indoor six he/she is admitted in a games like volley ball, carom boarding school with the consent board, chess, badminton are also of the mother. played by the inmates. All festivals 4. Chandigarh: Creche facility are being celebrated with fervour. started by Prisons Department in Cultural programmes are being the jails of Chandigarh. organized to make inmates aware of the importance of the day. Yoga

and meditation camps organised IX. Games and Recreation Activity during the year. 1. Assam: Various activities like 5. Jammu & Kashmir: playing of games (Volley Ball, etc.) The following inside the jails of Assam for the sports activities are being held in recreation of prisoners are being the Jails of J&K  organized in various jails of Indoor games like Badminton, Assam. Carom Board, Chess etc.  Outdoor games like Volleyball, 2. Bihar: Various games and Cricket, football etc are played. recreation activities in the jails of District Youth Services & Bihar are as follows: Sports authority assists in organisation of Sports tournaments in jails.

231  Books / News Papers / outdoor games are provided in Magazines are available. Also prisons of Tamil Nadu. Television sets have been provided in all Barracks. 11. Uttar Pradesh: Various sports Musical & cultural programmes events such as Volleyball, Chess, are organised through J&K Carom, Tug of War and Badminton Academy of Art culture and competitions were organized in the Languages, Information year 2017 at District Prison, Department, Cultural Wing of Deoria. Winners and runners-up in Armed Police, etc. the above sports events were awarded on Independence Day. 6. Karnataka: Television facility is provided for recreation purpose in 12. Uttarakhand: Indoor games like the various jails of Karnataka. chess, Ludo, carom board as well as outdoor games like volleyball 7. Maharashtra Various recreation are being provided to all the facilities for prisoners in jails of lodged inmates so that they may Maharashtra are as follows: come out of the stressful and  Sports activities like volley ball, depressed lifestyle. badminton, carom and chess Cable TV network, are held for both men and newspapers, monthly magazines, women prisoners resulting in periodicals are also being provided channelizing their energies to prisoners in the jails of positively. Games are Uttarakhand. organized regularly in prison and friendly matches are held 13. Delhi: Prison administration has on festive occasions. established a music room in every  Televison Sets in all Barracks, jail in which musical instruments library facilities, Radio jockey like Tabla, Harmonium, Guitar, were provided in jails during keyboard, flute etc. are available the year 2017. for learning and use by prisoners. This experiment has given positive 8. Nagaland: Recreational activities results and the programme is such as games, musical lessons being expanded further. Music which are imparted by instructors teachers visit all jails and give are organized in various jails of training to inmates in music. Nagaland. Music plays a vital role as it provides opportunity to It may be mentioned here that express feelings. Inter-jail competitions in music and cultural events are organized every year 9. Punjab: Sports activities are christened as “Ethnic Tihar” which is very organized for prisoners in jails of popular with prison inmates. Punjab.

Inter Jail music contests under the 10. Tamil Nadu: Activities like banner of ‘Tihar Idol’ are organized for physical training, indoor and 232 five categories Singing, Dancing, Playing lectures to enlighten prisoners about in instrument, Acting and writing lyrics. attaining eternal peace. These contests are organised with the Non-Government Organizations help of NGO “Art Creations Cultural are also permitted to conduct cultural Society” in all jails to search hidden talent activities. of jail inmates. The performance of Festival like Rakshabandhan, Id- inmates was judged by an expert panel ul-fiter, Diwali, chhath pooja are comprising of well-known personalities celebrated by jail authorities in various from the field of singing, music, dancing, jails in Bihar. writing and acting. NGO “Art Creations International/National importance Cultural Society” is helping in grooming days are celebrated like Yoga divas, the inmates of Tihar. The idea is to environment day, Aids Divas, Human rehabilitate these music loving inmates in rights day etc. by jail authorities in the field of music itself. various jails in Bihar.

With the help of an NGO “Legends 3. Gujarat: For the positive mental of India”, a number of musical events has reformation and spiritual upliftment of been organized for the inmates of Tihar. prisoners, spiritual programmes are In this series, renowned Flutist Pt. Ronu being run round the year by various Mazumdar, Sitarist Pt Shubhendra Rao NGOs/religious spiritual organizations. and Saskia Rao, Vocalist Sunada Moreover, scheme for prisoners’ Sharma, Ms. Sonam kalra and Ms. welfare fund is implemented which Rachna Yadav have performed in includes welfare activities of the different jails of Tihar. The inmates were prisoners as well as treatment for enthralled with the music and they find prisoners suffering from serious these programs de-stressing. illness. The various religious/national festivals are being celebrated in X. Spiritual and Cultural Activity various jails of Gujarat.

1. Assam: Cultural programmes on 4. Haryana: All festivals and National occasions of public importance and days i.e. Independence Day and public rejoicing like Republic Day, Republic Day are celebrated in jails Independence Day, ‘Bihu’, Idd, with active participation of prisoners Christmas, etc. are being organized in lodged in jails of Haryana. the jails of Assam. Spiritual and moral

discourses by reputed personalities 5. Himachal Pradesh: On special are organized for welfare of prisoners occasions like Republic Day, in the various jails of Assam. Independence Day, Mahatma Gandhi birthday, festivals, a cultural or 2. Bihar: All religious organizations like religious programs are organised by Brahma Kumari, are frequently inmates and jail staff together. permitted to conduct spiritual/moral Different sports are played at jail to programmes. They organize keep prisoners hale and hearty. The meditation, spiritual songs and matches of chess, carom, volley ball

233 have been organised during the year Jayanti were organized in various in various jails of Himachal Pradesh. jails of Uttar Pradesh.

6. Jammu & Kashmir: Prayers are Varanasi Dharmaprant Sansthan being held by inmates regularly has also distributed musical programs according to their religious faiths in among the detained prisoners and various jails of Jammu & Kashmir. blankets for their use.

7. Karnataka: Moral lecturers / On the occasion of International discourses are conducted by spiritual Women's Day, discussions and leaders of various organizations. cultural programs on women's

empowerment were also held in the Many reputed NGOs are involved women's barrack. in organizing various cultural programmes in various jails of Various cultural programs for Karnataka. detainees were organized in the

8. Maharashtra: Cultural Programs such District Prison, Deoria in the year as light music, classical music, dance, 2017. Many inmates have benefited etc. are organized in association with from bhajan kirtan, lectures, etc. Varhad Trust in prison on festivals Cultural programs were presented by such as Holi, Id–e-Milad, the prisoners on Independence Day. Rakshabandan, Ganesh Chathurthi, Prajapita Brahmakumari Ishwariya Dashera, Deepavali and Christmas Vishwavidyalaya unit, Deoria gives eve. spiritual sermons from time to time to inmates. Poetry, essay writing and Moral Lectures on “proposals to painting competitions are held for bring change in prisoner’s mindset” prisoners. and followed by meditation was 12. Uttarakhand: Divya Jyoti Jagrati organized by Bramhakumaris Vishwa Sansthan, Prem Rawat Foundation, Vidyalaya. This program was helpful Shanti Kunj Haridwar and lSKON in changing the thinking process of visited prisons and conducted the participants and build self motivation classes regularly to help confidence in them. the lodged inmates come out of the 9. Nagaland: Moral and Spiritual depression of life. counselling as a reformation measure On the occasion of festivals and is being organised in various jails of national festivals, lodged inmates Nagaland. organized cultural events like singing,

dancing, outdoor games like 10. Punjab: Various cultural activities are volleyball, etc. being organised in jails of Punjab.

11. Uttar Pradesh: Cultural programs on the occasion of Republic Day, Independence Day and Gandhi

234 XI. Assistance to Prisoners 3. Gujarat: Legal awareness camps are being arranged from time to A total of 1,745 prisoners were time so as to enable prisoners to provided financial assistance on their avail legal guidance/aid from release in the country during the year various legal institutions in various 2017. A total of 1,02,182 prisoners were jails of Gujarat. given legal aid in the country during the year 2017. Delhi has reported highest 4. Haryana: Legal Aid Clinics have number of prisoners 42,750 who were been established in all 19 jails by given legal aid followed by Kerala (6,795) the Haryana State Legal Services and Maharashtra (6,693) (Table 10.4). Authority and Advocates visit all Various measures taken by States to jails on regular basis, twice in a provide legal aid to needy prisoners are week. Efforts are being made to discussed below: provide legal-aid to needy prisoners through the Free Legal 1. Assam: Financial Assistance to Aid Society. Legal Aid Society the Families of life convicts during members visit jails regularly and their imprisonment: - Under this defend their cases in the Court. scheme, a number of families of They also meet the prisoners life convicts lodged in different collectively and individually to Jails, which are ascertained as listen to their problems and sort neediest in a year, are given out their grievances as per rules. financial assistance of Rs. 10,000/- per family for their subsistence and 5. Jammu & Kashmir: Legal Aid welfare while the bread earners Clinic are being run by Legal are serving imprisonment for life. Services Authority in the jails of J&K. 2. Bihar: Legal Aid Clinics are being run by District Legal Services 6. Kerala: Legal Aid Cells have been Authorities (DLSA) in all jails of provided in various jails of Kerala. Bihar. The needy inmates are taking benefits of the free legal aid 7. Maharashtra: Subject based legal from this center. Para Legal aid awareness camps for under- Volunteers (PLVs) have been trials and convicts (for example on appointed in all prisons in Bihar by plead guilty, types of bail etc.) are DLSA. Jail Adalats are organized being held in various jails of by DLSA in all jails. Undertrial Maharashtra. Personal Review Committee has been set Recognizance (P.R.) Bond being up in all Districts under the furnished by social workers in chairmanship of Principal Districts courts resulting in release of first and Sessions Judge. The time offenders from prison. committee also consider the provisions of the Sec.436A of 8. Nagaland: Legal camps are being Cr.PC. organized in various jails of Nagaland.

235 9. Tamil Nadu: Free Legal Aid has drawn up a panel of lawyers to services are made available to the argue the appeals of poor convicts prisoners. The Tamil Nadu State who have not engaged their Legal Services Authority has private counsels before Hon'ble opened a Legal Aid Cell in all High Court of Delhi. The features Central Prisons, Special Prisons of legal aid activities in jails are as for Women and Sub Jails for the follows: benefit of the prisoners.  A Free Legal Aid Cell in each jail in 10. Uttar Pradesh: District Legal which stationery items, typing Services Authority, Jaunpur material, books etc. are provided organized legal literacy camps by the Jail department. through Legal Aid Clinics from time  Delhi State Legal Services to time for the purpose of making Authority has deployed 29 detainees legally literate and advocates who are visiting Legal aware. Aid Cells and giving legal aid.

 Regular drafting of application / 11. Uttarakhand: Prisons provide a petitions / appeals of prisoners by fully furnished Legal Aid Clinic. advocates and Para Legal Aid is The Legal Aid Clinic is being done. directly supervised and run by District Legal Services Authority  The matters of seriously sick / (DLSA). terminally ill inmates are taken up with Courts. Officials of DLSA also visit jail during camps held and conduct  Special Courts are organized on Legal Awareness camps to cater monthly basis at Tihar Court to the needs of lodged inmates Complex for minor offenders who could not afford legal languishing in jail. counsels. XII. NGO Whenever an Undertrial prisoner seeks legal remedies, in Information reported from States/ UTs the form of providing amicus curie, reveals that, across the country there seeking case documents, status of were around 1,008 NGOs who are case in the Hon'ble court, the working exclusively for the welfare of under trail prisoner is provided the prisoners during the year 2017. Highest sought and required legal remedy number of such NGOs were reported by by appointed and trained para the Jail Department of Gujarat (155) legal volunteers at Legal Aid followed by Maharashtra (143) and West Clinic. Bengal (115). These NGOs work exclusively for the benefit of prisoners in 12. Delhi: A Legal-Aid and terms of legal aid, human rights, proper Counselling Centre is functioning medical aids, etc. Through these NGOs, from the Jail Complex. Delhi High a total of 87,268 prisoners were given Court Legal Service Committee medical counseling and 74,035 prisoners 236 were given legal counseling. State/UT total of 59 complaints from prisoners wise such details are presented in (Table were pending with NHRC for suitable 10.5). action (Table 10.6).

B. Grievances II. Complaints to State Human Rights Commission (SHRC): Prisoners those who are denied of their lawful right or subjected to cruelty can A total of 629, 563 and 468 approach and file complaints with complaints were received by SHRC from Magistrates, Prison Authorities, Human prisoners or Others (in-favour of the Rights Commissions, etc. prisoners, other persons can also lodge complaints) in 2015, 2016 and 2017 I. Complaints to National Human respectively, showing an decrease of Right Commission (NHRC): 10.49% in 2016 over 2015 and decrease of 16.87% in 2017 over 2016 (Chart 10.3). A total of 268, 298 and 311 complaints were received by NHRC from The highest number of complaints prisoners or others (in-favor of the of prisoners were received by the prisoners others can also lodge respective SHRC of the States of Punjab complaints) in 2015, 2016 and 2017 (171), Kerala (49), Madhya Pradesh and respectively, showing an increase of Tamil Nadu (43 each). 11.19% in 2016 over 2015 and an increase of 4.36% in 2017 over 2016 A total of 329, 418 and 329 (Chart 10.3). complaints of prisoners were disposed off by SHRC in 2015, 2016 and 2017 During the year 2017, highest respectively, showing a mixed trend with number of complaints were received from an increase of 27.05% in 2016 over 2015 the prisoners (or in-favor of the prisoners and a decrease of 21.29% in 2017 over others can also lodge complaints) of the 2016. States/UTs of Delhi (82), Punjab (52) and Bihar (36). A total of 139 Complaints from prisoners were pending with respective A total of 207, 233 and 252 SHRC for suitable action. Highest complaints of prisoners were disposed off number of such prisoner’s complaints by the NHRC in 2015, 2016 and 2017 were pending with SHRC of the States of respectively, showing an increase of Punjab (111), Rajasthan (11) and Bihar 12.56% in 2016 over 2015 and an (8) (Table 10.6). increase of 8.15% in 2017 over 2016. A

237 700 629 2015 2016 2017 600 563

500 468 418 400 329 329 298 311 300 268 252 233 207 200

100

0 No. of Complaints No. of Complaints No. of Complaints No. of Complaints Received by NHRC disposed off by NHRC Received by SHRC disposed off by SHRC

 As per data provided by States/UTs. Complaints Received and Disposed off by NHRC and SHRC during 2015-2017 Chart – 10.3

Some good practices adopted by and enquire into their grievances. Tamil Nadu towards setting up of the During the annual inspections, the Grievance Redressal System are Additional Director General of discussed below: Police / Inspector General of Prisons and Range Deputy 1. Tamil Nadu: Redressal of Inspectors General of Prisons, grievances of the prisoners are enquire each and every prisoner given top priority by the Prison about his/her grievances and take Department. All the Central prompt action to redress their Prisons are provided with sealed grievances. complaint boxes in which prisoners can drop their grievance petitions. The Superintendents of Prisons These boxes are opened by the conduct inspection parade of all District and Sessions Judge on the prisoners every week and hear the first working day of every month grievances of prisoners and and complaints are forwarded to redresses them. the appropriate authorities for action. Apart from this, Sessions    Judges and Chief Judicial Magistrates make surprise visits to prisons once in a month to check the quality of food and other facilities provided to the prisoners

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