Reforming Prisons and Rehabilitating Prisoners (From Readings in Social Defense, P 206-209, 1981, Navin C Joshi and Ved B Bhatia, ed. - See NCJ-90685)

• NCJ Number: 90696
• Author(s): N C Joshi
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 4 pages
• Sale Source: A H Wheeler and Co. Pty Ltd
• Language: English
• Country: India

Annotation

Prison reforms in India should deal simultaneously with the problem of prison overcrowding and the conditions of habitation.

Abstract

Overcrowding can be addressed by constructing more facilities in every State. Other approaches to reduce overcrowding include greater use of probation, greater use of parole, and the expanded use of semiopen and open institutions. Apart from having to stay in dark and poorly ventilated rooms, inmates generally have poor sanitation facilities, poorly cooked food, and a paucity of recreational facilities. At a meeting of chief secretaries of State governments and union territory administrations in 1979, a 10-point program was adopted to improve prison conditions, including reducing overcrowding. In an effort to reduce the large number of detainees awaiting trial, it was proposed that legal advisers be provided for every prison to inform detainees of their rights and assist them in securing bail. It was also suggested that a national visitors' board be created to focus attention on prison conditions in the country.