The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Uttarakhand):The Uttarakhand High Court has made a landmark decision directing the State Government to adopt significant recommendations from the Prison Reforms Committee, including the appointment of counselors and social workers across various state prisons. Chief Justice Ritu Bahri and Justice Rakesh Thapliyal presided over the division bench that issued this directive, emphasizing the necessity of integrating male and female counselors and social workers within the prison system.
A notable aspect of the Court’s order is the adaptation of practices from Himachal Pradesh, where jail inmates receive 40% of the profits from the sale of jail-manufactured products. This initiative aims to financially empower inmates, acknowledging their contribution to the production process and providing them with a tangible share of the profits. This policy not only serves as a reformative measure but also addresses the economic challenges faced by the inmates’ families, potentially reducing recidivism by offering a form of financial stability post-release.
The decision was influenced by a report from counselors who interacted with inmates at Burail Jail, Chandigarh, identifying peer pressure, anger, frustration, and lack of employment opportunities as common factors leading to criminal behavior. The High Court’s directive seeks to address these underlying issues through counseling and social work, alongside providing a financial incentive linked to productive activities within the jails.
The Court’s initiative for the State to implement these recommendations and adopt Himachal Pradesh’s model signifies a progressive step towards comprehensive prison reform. By focusing on rehabilitation and financial inclusion of inmates, the Uttarakhand High Court aims to foster a more humane and effective correctional system. The directive to share profits with inmates from the sale of jail-produced goods highlights an innovative approach to prison management, recognizing the dignity of labor and the potential for positive social reintegration of inmates.
This ruling sets a precedent for other states to consider similar reforms, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation, mental health support, and economic empowerment as key components of the correctional system. The next hearing, scheduled for April 4, 2024, is anticipated to review the implementation progress, marking a significant milestone in the pursuit of prison reforms in Uttarakhand.