NCJ Number
208153
Date Published
2004
Length
39 pages
Annotation
After presenting facts on the demographics, climate, economy, and government of India, this chapter reviews the history of Indian corrections; describes the current state of corrections in India; discusses issues confronting Indian corrections; and considers future directions.
Abstract
The Muslim period of corrections in India (1206-1756) was characterized by a reduction in imprisonment compared to the previous Hindu period and the widespread use of harsh physical punishments, social isolation for the offender, and restitution to victims. Under British rule (1757-1947), most offenses involved imprisonment, which was viewed as a means of punishing offenders through harsh conditions. It was not until the beginning of the 19th century that reformation and rehabilitation of offenders became the overall philosophy of the correctional system. After independence in 1947, the new government began to implement changes to improve prison conditions and other correctional services. The current corrections policy is to rehabilitate the offender to become a productive member of Indian society. This chapter describes the types of custodial facilities in India and the types of correctional services available in prison and in the community. Issues currently confronting Indian corrections are prison overcrowding, poor staff accommodations, and low staff morale. The future is likely to see further improvement in prison conditions, acceptance of the draft model prison manual, and prison privatization. 4 tables, discussion questions, Web-links, 32 references, and appended description of the reform of a New Delhi jail