Annual Report - National Human Rights Commission

Civil Liberties
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The system of free legal aid to the poor prisoners needs a thorough scrutiny and evaluation
as a number of prisoners were found deprived of the basic right.
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Vocational training facilities and works programme at the Women Jail are utterly inadequate.
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There is need for greater involvement of NGOs in education, recreation and welfare of prisoners.
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Poor living conditions for women prisoners, with hardly any medical facilities is also a matter
of concern.
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High mortality rate of prisoners in jails is also a cause for concern.
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A number of instances of non-compliance with the Commission’s instructions regarding
the death of prisoners were detected.
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The arrangement of supply of food through private contractors at the judicial lockups
calls for a review.
G] ‘Action Taken Reports’ relating to Prisons Received from
States
3.55 During the period under review, ‘Action Taken Reports’ were received from the State
Governments concerned on the Commission’s directions in respect of the District Jail, Meerut
(UP) visited on 18 March, 2002, Central Jail, Buxar (Bihar) visited on 13 January, 2003, Model
Jail Beur, Bihar visited on 1st February 2003, Central Jail Yervada, Maharashtra visited on
12.6.03, Presidency Correctional Home, Kolkata and District Correctional Home, Howrah (West
Bengal) visited on 17-18 September 2003, Model Central Jail Kandla, Sub Jail Shimla, Sub Jail
Bilaspur and Open Jail Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh) visited on 21-24 September 2003, Central
Jail Ambala (Haryana) visited on 17-18 October 2003, Central Jail Jaipur, Women Jail Jaipur,
District Jail Tonk, Open Jail Sanganer and Sub Jail Mallapura, (Rajasthan) visited from 16-18
February, 2004; references to which can be seen in previous reports.
3.56 The ATRs were duly considered by the Commission after scrutiny by the Custodial Justice
Cell. The level of compliance with the Commission’s directions was found to be, by and large,
satisfactory. Only in respect of Himachal Pradesh, the J.S. (Home) and the Additional DG Prisons
had to be called for discussion on some unattended matters and directed to send a revised ATR.
The Commission has noticed with satisfaction that the State Governments have initiated action
on the Commission’s major recommendations. Prison infrastructure is being steadily upgraded
at most places. Welfare of prisoners is now receiving greater attention. Problems of under-trial
prisoners are being addressed with seriousness and efforts are being made to involve NGOs in
activities meant for prisoners’ welfare.
National Human Rights Commission Annual Report - 2004-2005
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