Revised Model Prison Manual
After Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt’s ‘parole’ and ‘furlough’ criticism, the union home ministry in the revised model prison manual released in last week of January 2016 has asked the prison authorities to “set out in detail the objective behind parole and furlough and define its procedure.” The Centre also desired the jail authorities to use terms as ‘parole’ and ‘furlough’ in place of leave and special leave. The Government revised the 32 chapters of the 2003 Model Prison Manual. The key revisions are as follows:
Modernisation & Prison computerisation
- Installation of CCTV cameras in work sheds, kitchens, high security enclosures, main gate, etc. of prisons to prevent violation of human rights
Access to free legal services
- Appointment of jail visiting advocates; Setting up of a legal aid clinic in every prison.
Additional provisions for women prisoners
- Comprehensive health screening for women, Restrictions on certain kinds of punishments, for instance, punishment by close confinement should not be awarded to pregnant women, women with infants.
Focus on aftercare services
- Setting up of special committees known as Discharged Prisoners’ After-Care & Rehabilitation committees.
Provisions for children of women prisoners
- Provisions for holistic development of children, including provision of food, medical care, lothing, education, and recreational facilities.
Inspection of Prisons
- A new chapter on inspection of prisons has been incorporated.
