Jammu and Kashmir Government has taken a right step in the direction of providing justice to the specially-abled prisoners, spending their terms across the jails of Union Territory by amending the Prison Manual, 2022.
Reportedly, the notification issued in this regard by the Home Department has added the new clause namely ‘Rights and Facilities for Prisoners with Disabilities’ under Chapter XVII, with the heading Welfare of Prisoners, ensuring end of discrimination, seamless accessibility of prison infrastructure, proper healthcare and rehabilitation, appropriate screening during admission, and regular training of prison staff to handle the needs of specially-abled inmates without any flaws.
This move is surely going to promote dignity, equality, and appropriate care for all prisoners with disabilities across jails in the Union Territory. Under the new clause, no prisoner shall be discriminated against on grounds of disability as all prisoners with disabilities shall be entitled to equality, dignity, and respect for their integrity on an equal basis with others.
The clause also calls for ensuring the entire prison infrastructure including cells, toilets, medical units, educational and vocational training centres, and grievance redressal systems to be made accessible in accordance with the standards specified under the Accessibility Standards and Guidelines notified by the MHA.
In this appropriate step to deliver justice to the specially-abled prisoners, the Home Department has also made a provision in the aforesaid clause to provide adequate healthcare including psychiatric and psychological services, as well as access to rehabilitation programs and therapies, which is going to change the scenario altogether in favour of specially-abled jailed inmates.
The physically challenged prisoners shall also be screened for disabilities at the time of admission, and relevant prison records will be kept in jails to reflect their specific needs to ensure suitable accommodations and assistance besides providing adequate training to the prison staff to sensitize these personnel towards the rights, needs, and appropriate handling of the aforesaid inmates.
All said and done, the new provisions in the jail manual would lay a strong foundation for justice, dignity, and equality within the prison system. This initiative after implementation on ground will not only reflect a commitment to inclusivity but would also create the possibilities for a more compassionate and responsible correctional environment in the jails, which was the need of the hour.
