Prison Reforms – Notes
🔹 Definition
Prison reforms refer to efforts to improve the conditions, management, and goals of the prison system, with a focus on rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates rather than just punishment.
🔹 Key Objectives
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Rehabilitation over Retribution
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Protection of Human Rights
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Skill Development for Reentry
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Mental and Physical Well-being of Inmates
🔹 Major Reforms in India
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Open Prisons (Open Jails)
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Minimum-security prisons.
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Inmates can work outside and return in the evening.
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Encourages responsibility and social reintegration.
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Example: Sanganer Open Prison, Rajasthan
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Skill Training & Vocational Programs
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Tailoring, carpentry, agriculture, handicrafts.
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Helps in post-release employment.
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Educational Programs
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Literacy and higher education courses.
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Collaboration with IGNOU and NIOS in some states.
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Yoga, Meditation & Counseling
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Reduces aggression, improves mental health.
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Art of Living, Vipassana used in many jails.
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Legal Aid and Paralegal Volunteers
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Free legal support for undertrials and poor inmates.
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🔹 Model Prison Manual (2016)
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Issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
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Replaced the outdated 2003 manual.
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Emphasizes:
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Humane treatment and dignity of prisoners.
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Separate facilities for women and juveniles.
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Use of technology in prison management.
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Better living standards: sanitation, food, healthcare.
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🔹 Committees on Prison Reforms
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Mulla Committee (1980-83)
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Recommended a national prison commission.
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Staff training and better infrastructure.
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Justice Krishna Iyer Committee (1987)
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Focused on human rights and legal aid.
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Justice Amitava Roy Panel (2018)
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Speedy trials, better jail conditions, reforms for undertrials.
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🔹 Challenges
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Overcrowding
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Undertrial population (over 70% of prison inmates)
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Lack of trained staff
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Poor health and hygiene facilities
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Inadequate budget
🔹 Recent Initiatives
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E-Prisons Project – digitization of prison records.
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National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) – legal aid to prisoners.
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Smart Jails – use of CCTV, biometric systems.
✅ MCQs on Prison Reforms
1. The Model Prison Manual was released in which year?
A) 2003
B) 2011
C) 2016
D) 2020
✅ Answer: C) 2016
2. Which of the following is NOT a feature of open prisons?
A) Inmates can work outside the prison
B) Inmates are locked in cells all day
C) It promotes reformation and trust
D) Lower security system
✅ Answer: B) Inmates are locked in cells all day
3. Which committee emphasized human rights in prison administration?
A) Mulla Committee
B) Krishna Iyer Committee
C) Sarkaria Committee
D) Roy Committee
✅ Answer: B) Krishna Iyer Committee
4. Which state has successfully implemented the concept of open prisons?
A) Kerala
B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Rajasthan
D) Haryana
✅ Answer: C) Rajasthan
5. The E-Prisons project is primarily aimed at:
A) Increasing prison security
B) Digitizing prison records and management
C) Building new jails
D) Hiring more jail staff
✅ Answer: B) Digitizing prison records and management