New prison manual promises host of facilities to prisoners
LUCKNOW: After 123 years, instead of ‘daatun’ (twig), prisoners will get tooth powder to clean their teeth. They will also get a pair of slippers each and dry clean facility to wash their apparel.
These new amenities will be provided to prisoners once the existing jail manual, drafted during the British rule in 1894, is replaced with a new one. The UP prison administration and reform services has drafted the new jail manual. The manual will be implemented once it gets the state cabinet’s approval.
Talking to HT, additional director general (Prison) GL Meena said, “Under the new manual, the undertrial prisoners will get various facilities from the jail administration. They will get evening tea and barber service as well. The jail administration has also decided to set up a skill development centre for the prisoners so that they can run a private enterprise or become qualified enough to get a job once they are set free, he said. Women undertrial prisoners will get salwar, sanitary pads, hair oil and shampoo. Their children will be provided nursery education, play facilities and regular vaccination. Pregnant women will get nutrition under the new manual.
With the implementation of the new manual, the undertrials will not only get legal assistance but the jail administration will also rehabilitate them after their release from prison.
The jail administration will arrange bonfire for undertrials in winter. They will be served ‘kheer’ and sweets during festivals.
The jail administration also plans to release senior prisoners — those over 70 years of age and those who have served 14 years. The jail superintendents have been directed to prepare a list of senior prisoners and complete the formalities for their release. The jail administration has already released 111 such prisoners this year. The jail administration plans to launch video conferencing facilities in all jails. Within 100 days, the construction of the new jails will be completed. Jammers and CCTVs will be installed in jails. The jail administration has decided to introduce e-prison system.