Tribune News Service
Shimla, August 11
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur released the Model Prison Manual-2021 Himachal Pradesh here yesterday. The manual emphasises on reforms and rehabilitation of prisoners, who would learn new skills by rightly using the sentence period during their confinement. It would enable the prisoners to earn their livelihood and support their families after release from jail and they would not get attracted towards crime again.
The Chief Minister said that during the conference of DGPs and IGPs held in 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had directed every state to have a model prison manual.
Thakur said that the existing 21-year-old jail manual was outdated though a few amendments had been made to it. He said that new welfare schemes would be initiated in jails and prisoners would be provided with work and training to enable them to earn their livelihood according to their skills and capabilities.
He added that all jails would be computerised to ensure transparency. These would be managed through the e-Prison software, which would be further connected through the ICJS system with courts, police and forensic science departments.
DGP Sanjay Kundu said that modern technology and equipment would be used to strengthen the security of the jails. At present, there are two central jails, nine district jails and three sub-jails in the state.
ADGP, Prisons and Correctional Services, N Venugopal said that the jail staff would be trained in smooth and effective implementation of the provisions of the new manual.
A digital database of the prisoners would be prepared in jails so that strict vigil could be maintained on their movement while they are out on parole.
Courtesy: Tribune News Service