In Tihar, focus is on inmates’ reform, rehabilitation: DGP

In a bid to discuss the issue concerning the prison system and prisoners’ rights, the Tihar Prisons, in collaboration with the Bureau of Police Research and Development, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative and Delhi School of Social Work, University of Delhi organised a one-day seminar on Saturday at NDMC Convention Centre, Sansad Marg.

Mr Sudhir Yadav, director general, department of prisons, NCT of Delhi, said, “We hope that through the seminar we have been able to highlight the challenges faced by prisoners. Our endeavour in Tihar Jail has been to reform, rehabilitate and reintegrate the prisoners. Our aim has been to treat each inmate with dignity and respect. We hope that when they go back to society, they are able to give back.”

Mr Sanjoy Hazarika, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) Director, said at the inaugural session, “The aim of the seminar is to focus on the socio-economic impacts of detention and sensitising functionaries to pledge against injustice. The seminar seeks to raise public consciousness on issues plaguing the system and encouraging dialogue on pre-trial and postrelease concerns.”

There was a panel discussion on existing bail provisions and practice. “There have been detailed conversations on the need for risk assessment, it’s time we start talking about benefits to society by granting bail,” said a Tihar inmate. They have interacted with authorities, civil society and media. This helped in providing a platform for inmates to voice their concerns.

— ASIAN AGE A model poses with Lord Ganesha during a puja on the first day of Ramlila organised by the Luv Kush Ramlila Committee — one of the oldest Ramlila organisers in the Walled City — at Red Fort grounds in Delhi on Saturday.