* Govt amends Prison Manual of 2022
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 30: No prisoner shall be discriminated against on the ground of disability and all such prisoners will be entitled to equality, dignity and respect on an equal basis with others as Home Department of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has carried out amendment in the Prison Manual, 2022.
In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 59 of the Prisons Act, 1894 and on the directions of the Lieutenant Governor, a new clause titled “Rights and Facilities for Prisoners with Disabilities” has been added in the Chapter XVII, read the notification issued by Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary to the Government.
As per the new clause, no prisoner shall be discriminated against on grounds of disability and all prisoners with disabilities shall be entitled to equality, dignity and respect for their integrity on an equal basis with others.
All prison infrastructure including cells, toilets, medical units, educational and vocational training centres and grievance redressal systems shall be made accessible in accordance with the standards specified under the Accessibility Standards and Guidelines notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Moreover, persons with disabilities will be provided with appropriate healthcare including psychiatric and psychological services as well as access to rehabilitation programs and therapies. All incoming prisoners will be screened for disabilities at the time of admission and relevant prison records will reflect their specific needs to ensure suitable accommodation and assistance.
The prison staff will undergo regular training to sensitize them to the rights, needs and appropriate handling of prisoners with disabilities.
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