Naini jail’s complaint box helping prison admn dispose of inmates’ problems

PRAYAGRAJ: Naini central jail inmates were freely communicating their problems to the jail administration through a complaint box installed on the premises recently. So far, over two dozen complaints had been rece ived and majority of these were anonymous, said jail officials.

“Prisoners are not only complaining about anomalies in services provided to them, but also about corruption by jail staffers. The jail administration is receiving regular complaints along with many suggestions from them,” they said.

According to the officials, many inmates in their complaints said that food served to them was not sufficient and was often tasteless. Besides, others complained about poor arrangements inside the jail. In his written complaint, an inmate without disclosing his name alleged that a jail guard took Rs 50 from prisoners for allowing them to make calls from his mobile. Another prisoner accused a ‘lambardar’ (convicted prisoner assigned duties) of extorting money while others complained about use of mobile by mafias and criminals.

Senior jail superintendent PN Pandey said that British officials had made a rule to listen to jail inmates for sorting out their problems. “In a bid to improve arrangements and learn about their problems, a complaint box has been installed recently. Any prisoner can drop his written complaint in the box. They are coming forward with their complaints as they have been assured that their names will not be disclosed,” said Pandey.

He said that the initiative was helping jail administration knowing about their problems and information which prisoners were earlier reluctant to disclose, out of fear. The complaint box is opened on Monday or Saturday. “Steps are being taken for their disposal and inquiry is also being carried out into complaints received regarding corrupt practices, and further action will be taken accordingly,” he added.