The state cabinet today approved the Bihar Prison Manual, 2012 that will come into effect from 12.12.12.With a view to give state prisons a more human face, the state cabinet on 11th.Dec. approved the amendment to Bihar Jail Manual suggested by the home department. The notification to this effect will be issued on 12th Dec and the amended manual will be implemented with immediate effect.
IG (prisons) Anand Kishore, while addressing a press meet here, said "From now on, jailer and assistant jailer will be known as deputy superintendent and assistant superintendent, respectively. All prison superintendents will have to wear their respective uniforms which are not mandatory till now."
The department is more concerned about the implementation
of the manual properly so that all vacant posts with the department
could be filled soon. "The department will fill the post of 60 assistant
jailers, 4,000 warders at 56 prisons of the state in the next five
months and all recruitments will be done through Bihar Jail Services,"
The inmates will be given
unique identity codes which will include all criminal history of the
inmates and a medical card to keep a track on their medical history
also, he said, adding that the DMs would hold an interactive meeting,
'Bandi Darbar', in every two months for redressing the inmates'
grievances.
The IG said, "The amended manual will also ensure
the protection of the identity of a whistle blower inmate who will lodge
complaint against any other prisoner and young offenders, aged between
18 and 21 years, will be housed separately from notorious criminals."
The amended jail manual also talks about prisoners' diet. "A revised diet will be given to pregnant women
and children as per the requirement. CCTV cameras will be installed at
kitchen and food distribution area to monitor the jail staff and the
inmates. Canteens will soon be inaugurated to provide food of inmates'
choice but with a limited monthly budget,"
The health of every prisoner
would be examined by the medical officer in the presence of the jail
superintendent within 24 hours of his admission and the requisite forms
would be filled up immediately. The step assumes significance in the
wake of numerous complaints by prisoners about poor health services.
To ensure sanitation and
cleanliness, the process of food preparation in kitchens and
distribution of food would be monitored through closed-circuit cameras.
"This is being done to improve the quality of food served to the
prisoners," Kishor added. The concept of wearing clothes provided by the
jail administration has been removed in the new prison manual. The
medical officers have been empowered to requisition any medical experts
of the government hospitals for the treatment of prisoners suffering
from chronic diseases. Holding medical camps inside the jail from time
to time for treatment of prisoners have been made mandatory. The
district magistrates would have to hold bandi darbar after every two
months to listen to the complaints of the prisoners. The proceedings of
the bandi darbar would be recorded and assessed from time to time.
The health of every prisoner
would be examined by the medical officer in the presence of the jail
superintendent within 24 hours of his admission and the requisite forms
would be filled up immediately. The step assumes significance in the
wake of numerous complaints by prisoners about poor health services.
To ensure sanitation and
cleanliness, the process of food preparation in kitchens and
distribution of food would be monitored through closed-circuit cameras.
"This is being done to improve the quality of food served to the
prisoners," Kishor added. The concept of wearing clothes provided by the
jail administration has been removed in the new prison manual. The
medical officers have been empowered to requisition any medical experts
of the government hospitals for the treatment of prisoners suffering
from chronic diseases. Holding medical camps inside the jail from time
to time for treatment of prisoners have been made mandatory. The
district magistrates would have to hold bandi darbar after every two
months to listen to the complaints of the prisoners. The proceedings of
the bandi darbar would be recorded and assessed from time to time.
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