UP News: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the condition of prisons in a high-level meeting on Thursday and gave important guidelines towards prison reform. The Chief Minister expressed the need to establish prisons as ‘reformation homes’ and gave guidance regarding the preparation of new prison act of the state.
Jails have to be set up as ‘reform homes’: CM
Tell that at present, the Jail Act 1894 and the Prisoners Act 1900 are prevalent in relation to the prisoners detained in the jail. Both these Acts have been in vogue since before independence, many of whose provisions are not compatible with the changing environment and reformative ideology of prisoners’ rehabilitation. The purpose of the Prison Act 1894 is to keep the criminals in custody in a disciplined manner, but we have to focus on reformation and rehabilitation. In such a situation, keeping the future in view, we need to implement new Acts.
‘Propose to set up an open jail’
Recently, the Model Prison Act-2023 has been prepared by the Government of India. This Model Act is very useful from the point of view of reformation and rehabilitation of prisoners. According to this Model Act, a new Prison Act of the state should be prepared keeping in mind the needs of the state. The state cabinet has recently approved the new jail manual. This is an important effort towards prison reforms. We have to make concerted efforts to establish prisons as better centers of correction. Establishment of “Open Jail” can prove useful in this direction. At present there is a semi open jail operating in Lucknow. Prepare a duly proposed proposal for setting up an open jail.
‘Instructions to set up high security barracks for habitual criminals and terrorists’
Yogi told the officials that we have to set up prisons as ‘reform homes’. Every necessary step should be taken for this purpose. Arrangements like security assessment of prisoners, grievance redressal, Prison Development Board, change in behavior towards prisoners and provision of separate accommodation for women prisoners and transgender etc. should be implemented. High-security barracks should be prepared for prisoners who pose a big threat to the country and society like habitual criminals, terrorists. High standards should be strictly followed for their safety. Enforce the provision of harshest punishment for the use of banned items like mobile phones in prisons.
Make maximum use of technology: CM
He directed that maximum use of technology should be made with a view to bring transparency in the prison administration. At present, the entry/exit of prisoners in the jails of the state is being done through e-prison. Prisoners Information Management System, Visitor Management System, E-custody Certificate, Police Intelligence System is implemented. More than 4200 CCTV cameras are installed in the jails of the state, which are constantly monitored through videowalls installed in the headquarters, on which alerts are also received. It is also getting good results. Drone cameras should be integrated with the videowall and monitored. The provision of video conferencing with the courts, the provision of scientific and technical intervention etc. in prisons should also be implemented. This should be kept in mind while preparing the new Act. To encourage good conduct in prison, prisoners should be given the benefit of legal aid, parole, furlough and premature release. There should be a clear provision in this regard in the new act.
