Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said the Centre will roll out the second phase of modernisation of prisons from March 15 in the new financial year. Emphasis will be laid upon decongestion of jails, improving living conditions, skill development of inmates and other reforms. The Centre had provided Rs.1,800 crore during the first phase of modernisation launched in 2002-03.
Addressing the concluding session of a two-day national seminar on prison reforms organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) here, Mr. Singh said the Centre will provide adequate funds for improving the quality of prisons despite this being a State subject. The second phase will consolidate the gains made during the first phase, which was completed in 2009. Advisories had been issued to States on various aspects of prison reforms, he said.
Mr. Singh said a model Prison Manual had been prepared recently and it required some modifications. He praised the NHRC’s decision to review the action taken by States on its recommendations. NHRC Chairperson Justice K.G. Balakrishnan said there should be uniformity in Prison Manuals so that prisoners in the jails of different States get the same privileges.
