The Andhra Pradesh Prisons Department will provide separate diet, pure drinking water, accommodation, medical and education facilities for pregnants and their children.
The jail authorities have been instructed to arrange female warders, gynaecologists, paediatricians and medical officers and provide creches and nurseries for kids below six years.
Following the directions of the Supreme Court, the High Court and responding to the PIL filed by Member Secretary, AP State Legal Services Authority (APSLSA) to take steps to avoid the influence of convicts and under trial prisoners on children, the government issued orders on the facilities in and outside the jails.
The department has been asked to create permanent arrangements in all jails for a conducive environment for proper growth of the children, who are in no way concerned with the crime and imprisonment of their elders.
Cereals, millets, milk, pulses, leaf vegetables, fruits and other ingredients and vitamin food will be supplied for pregnants and children in jails.
According to the Prisons Department, there are about 81 jails including four central, eight district, one special prison for women (at Rajamahendravaram) and one prisoners agricultural colony (at Ananthapuram). Besides, 11 special and 56 sub jails are under operation.
In case of minor and casual offenders, the prisoner can have delivery outside the jail and a separate roof can be provided to the women and the children.
The jail officials should inform the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Secretary on admission of a pregnant woman and woman with children and provide all pre and post-natal care and maintain the medical records.
Officials should obtain the birth certificate but not mention that the place of birth is jail and the mother is a convict or an under-trial.
Children and infants should be given proper clothes, education and recreation, if necessary with Anganwadi teachers or the educated prisoners.
