Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Bihar jail manual 'corrected'The Bihar Prison Manual, 2012 is not revision of the existing jail manual but it is entirely a new manual," "The prisons of the state will no longer be 'yatna grih' (torture homes)

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 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.




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