NCJ Number
82802
Journal
Social Defence Volume: 16 Issue: 63 Dated: (January 1981) Pages: 17-32
Date Published
1981
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the prison system of India in terms of objectives, offender population, classification, inmate programs, living conditions, and recruitment and training of correctional officers.
Abstract
Reformation and rehabilitation of the offender are the primary objectives of imprisonment in India. Prison administration is governed by old legislative statutes such as the Prisons Act of 1894, the Prisoners Act of 1900, the Indian Lunacy Act of 1912, and the Transfer of Prisoners Act of 1950. Classification in Indian jails is generally based on age, sex, tenure of sentence, and number of offenses committed. Diversification of institutional resources has not been achieved due to inadequate buildings, overcrowding, an influx of short term prisoners, and insufficient staff. The education of prisoners is an important component of institutional treatment and most of the district and central jails have a separate budget allocation for this purpose. According to the latest figures, there are 71 central jails, 225 district jails, 693 subjails, 24 open jails, and 14 facilities for juveniles in the country. Prison buildings in some areas are in dilapidated condition. However, most of the central and district jails are provided with adequate security measures and lighting systems. In view of the need for an effective strategy for prison reform, the formulation of a national policy on prison administration is recommended. Statistical data are appended.