Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1694833227148.pdf (India)
WOMEN IN PRISONS INDIA June 2018 Ministry of Women and Child Development Government of India CONTENTS Acronyms Executive Summary 01.

Introduction 02.

Methodology 03.

Background 3.1.

Crimes by women 3.2.

Statistics of women in prison 3.3.

Rules governing women in prison 04.


Entitlements & Problems Prison Staff Accommodation Sanitation and Hygiene Health 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Nutrition 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.10 Contact with the outside world 4.11 Children 4.12 Re-integration in society after release Education Skilling and Vocational Training Legal Aid Violence 05.

Methods for resolution Establishment of a National Commission for Prisons Special Procedure for Arrest of Women Pregnancy and Childbirth in Prison 5.1.
Adoption and implementation of National Model Prison Manual by States 5.2.

5.3.

Regular and thorough inspection of prisons 5.4.

Robust Grievance Redressal System 5.5.

5.6.

5.7.

Children of Women Prisoners 5.8.

Better Living Arrangements 5.9.

5.10.

Better Education, Vocational Training and Skilling Facilities 5.11.

Addressing Violence 5.12.

Legal Aid and Awareness 5.13.

Special Provisions for Foreign Nationals 5.14.


Recruitment of Adequate Staff Improvement of Health and Nutrition i iii Re-Integration Measures and After-Care Programmes 5.16.

Timely Release of Undertrials 5.17.

Non-Custodial Measures 0 06.
Conclusion Annexures 39 40 41 43 45 ACRONYMS ANM – Auxiliary Nurse Midwife BPR&D – Bureau of Police Research and Development CrPC – Code of Criminal Procedure CSR – Corporate Social Responsibility IPC – Indian Penal Code NCRB – National Crime Record Bureau NGO – Non Governmental Organisation NHRC – National Human Rights Commission SLL – Special and Local Laws UT – Union Territory i ii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A prison is a correctional facility meant to house individuals who break the law.
The purpose of prisons is the reformation of inmates.

Despite this, prison systems often hide violence and depravity behind their closed doors, which is detrimental to the reform of offenders.

It is thus essential to recognize and fulfil the basic rights of prisoners to encourage their reformation.

The problems related to imprisonment become even more pronounced in the context of women inmates.
Prison systems are primarily designed to cater to men and are not well equipped to address the particular needs of women in prison.

As per latest data available from the end of 2015, Indian prisons were home to 17,834 women.

Only 17% of these women live in exclusively female prisons, while the majority are housed in female enclosures of general prisons.

There is national and international agreement that the condition of prisons and of women living in them needs urgent improvement.
PURPOSE This report seeks to study the condition of women in prison in India and inform action for improvement.

An attempt has been made to build understanding on the entitlements of women in prison, the issues faced by them and the possible methods for resolution of the same.

METHODOLOGY The study is based on an analysis of primary and secondary data, both quantitative and qualitative in nature.
The findings are anchored in a review of reports commissioned by this Ministry exclusively for the purpose of this study – these are reports from jail visits conducted by National Commission for Women between November 2017 and May 2018 and a comprehensive review of Prison Manuals carried out by the National Law University, Delhi between March and June 2018.
The study has further taken into consideration secondary data shared by Ministry of Home Affairs, data published by the National Crime Records Bureau, Bureau of Police Research and Development, National Human Rights Commission, iii various central level committees set up to review prison conditions as well as orders/judgements of the Hon’ble Supreme Court.
KEY FINDINGS There are a number of provisions in the form of laws, rules and guidelines that protect women from exploitation in prison and guarantee them basic services.

However, the implementation of these provisions is found to be largely lacking and women face a variety of problems while living in prison.

There is a severe lack of female staff, which includes guards, officers, doctors, nurses, counsellors etc.
Accommodation arrangements are often inadequate, which is exacerbated by severe overcrowding in most prisons.

There are inadequate numbers of toilets, bathrooms and other basic preconditions for sanitation and hygiene.

The insufficient provision of water and menstrual hygiene products is a serious concern.

There is a lack of female medical personnel and facilities meant to cover physical, sexual, reproductive and mental health needs of women in prison.
Nutrition, which is closely linked to health, is a concern particularly for pregnant and lactating women and children in prison.

While they are to be given a special diet, this is not always followed.

Women are entitled to have access to education while in prison, but apart from provisions for basic literacy, educational facilities are largely missing.

Skilling and vocational training is also considered an important part of reformation, and every prison is meant to provide these services.
Efforts in this regard are largely eyewash, with most courses imparting skills that are unmarketable, financially unviable and thus not much use to women after release.

All prisoners have a right to legal aid, for which there should be legal aid cells in every prison to help with cases of complaints, under-trials, appeals etc.

These are not found in all prisons, and linkages with State and District Legal Service Authorities can be improved.
Physical and sexual violence is a common scenario in prisons, faced by inmates at the hands of authorities and other prisoners.

The provisions for ensuring safety of women in prison and addressing their complaints need to be followed strictly, which is not the case currently.

Prisons are an insulated world, and it is important that women in particular maintain contact with their social network outside prison to ensure a smooth transition after release.
While the limit on number of letters, phone calls and visitations are relaxed in iv the case of women, more needs to be done to help them maintain contact and overcome the social stigma attached to women prisoners.

Many women live in prison with their children (below 6 years of age) in cases where no other adequate arrangements can be made for their care.
Spending their formative years in prison can have a huge negative impact on children and thus special care needs to be taken to ensure their physical and mental health, education and recreation.

The health of pregnant women and mothers also needs to be taken care of.

Re-integration in society is a challenge for many women prisoners, as they face severe social stigma, loss of family ties and employment, lack of economic independence and so on after release.
Steps need to be taken to ensure that women receive all basic services while in prison, are protected from violence and supported after release to effectively take a place in society.

RECOMMENDATIONS The adequate implementation of existing provisions will go a long way in improving the prison system.

The National Model Prison Manual 2016 is a progressive document outlining the basic entitlements of women in prison and should be adopted by all states followed by its full implementation.
A National Commission for Prisons, as also recommended by the Mulla Committee should be established to provide a national perspective on prisons and be a central body responsible for these.

Regular and thorough inspections of prisons are also an effective way of ensuring that rules are being followed.

This should be exercised in all prisons, with inspections conducted in an independent spirit and reports shared across multiple government agencies.
A robust grievance redressal mechanism should be put in place in all prisons to ensure the rights of prisoners are not violated and their concerns are heard impartially.

There should be both internal and external mechanisms for inmates to represent their grievances.

Special procedures should be defined at time of arrest of women to ensure their best interest as well as that of their children.
Since searches at time of admission and throughout prison life can be an experience where women inmates face humiliation and violence, these should be strictly regulated by defined SOPs.

v Adequate provisions must be made for pregnancy and childbirth in prison including medical, dietary and accommodation-related improvements.

Children of prisoners, both the ones living with them or the ones living outside, should never be treated as prisoners themselves.
Both physical and mental health needs should be addresses appropriately and regularly.

Women inmates should have access to doctors and psychologists as and when needed.

Educational facilities should be provided as per abilities of prisoners.

Vocational training and skilling facilities in prison should be also be upgraded as it can improve the daily lives of prisoners and give them economic support after release.
Living condition of women inmates should be improved in terms of bedding, adequate lighting, sufficient number of toilets, options of clothing as per culture etc.

Provisions of legal aid should be implemented with linkages with District and State Legal Service Authority.

All rights and entitlements should be explained to women in a language they can understand.

The number of undertrial prisoners in India is huge.

Steps should be taken to facilitate their early release under Section 436A of Cr.P.C.
as well in cases where are unable to pay sureties on release.

Further, non-custodial measures such as community service, housing in shelters etc.

should be given preference in the case of female offenders.

A comprehensive after-care programme can prevent recidivism and help in the smooth transition of women in society after release.
This should include support for various aspects of post-imprisonment life including housing, employment, marriage, custody of children prevention of harassment by local police etc.

vi WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 01.

INTRODUCTION 1.1 Imprisonment as a method of punishment has evolved over the centuries.

In India, and most of the world today, prisons are viewed as centres for the reform of criminals, rather than just a means of punishment.
The Hon’ble Supreme Court has advocated for a “therapeutic approach...as an effective method of punishment”.1 Advisories by MHA on prison administration have further stressed on the need for a positive prison environment - “The atmosphere of prisons should be surcharged with positive values and the inmates should be exposed to a wholesome environment with appropriate opportunities to reform themselves.” 2 1.2 Prison and its administration is a State Subject detailed in List II, Schedule VII of the Constitution of India.
Prison establishments in different States/Union Territories comprise several tiers of jails – central jails, district jails, sub jails as well as women jails, borstal schools, open jails and special jails.

In the past few decades, the prison population has increased drastically, creating a number of challenges such as security, health & hygiene, overcrowding etc.

As jails were primarily designed to cater to male inmates, special steps need to be taken to ensure adequate conditions for women as well.
Female inmates are often faced with prison infrastructure and administrative systems, which are largely oblivious to their gender - specific needs.

“a prisoner is required to be treated as a human being entitled to all the basic human rights, human dignity and human sympathy” 1.3 The courts in India have purported the need to recognise the rights of prisoners and improve their conditions.
The Hon’ble Supreme Court has affirmed the basic rights of prisoners – “there could be several factors that lead a prisoner to commit a crime but nevertheless a prisoner is required to be treated as a human being entitled to all the basic human rights, human dignity and human sympathy.” 3 It has further directed the Ministry of Home Affairs and States to take measures to improve the condition of prisons through 1 SC Order in Re - Inhuman Conditions in 1382 Prisons dated 5th February 2016.

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(C) No.406 of 2013 2 http://mha1.nic.in/PrisonReforms/pdf/PrisonAdmin17072009.pdf 3 SC Order in Re - Inhuman Conditions in 1382 Prisons dated 5th February 2016.

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(C) No.406 of 2013 1 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA regular audits, hiring and training of staff, implementation of the National Model Prison Manual, and appointment of Board of Visitors to ensure proper inspection etc.4 1.4 There is international agreement that the condition of prisoners, particularly women prisoners is dismal and in need of urgent improvement.
The UN General Assembly adopted the Bangkok Rules5 in 2011, which lay out rules for the treatment of women in prison and prescribe certain non-custodial measures for women offenders.

In 2015, the Nelson Mandela Rules6 were adopted by the UN General Assembly, which set out the international minimum standard for the treatment of prisoners including women.

4 SC Order in Re - Inhuman Conditions in 1382 Prisons dated 2th May 2017.

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(C) No.406 of 2013 5 UN General Assembly adopted Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-Custodial Measures for Women Offenders at: https://www.unodc.org/documents/justice-and-prison- reform/Bangkok_Rules_ENG_22032015.pdf) 6 UN Social & Economic Council adopted the revised Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules) in 2015 (Available at: https://www.unodc.org/documents/justice-and-prison-reform/GA-RESOLUTION/E_ebook.pdf) (the Bangkok Rules) (Available in 2010 2 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 02.
METHODOLOGY 2.1 Purpose – The purpose of this study is to build understanding on the condition of women in prison in India in order to inform action for improvement.

2.2 Objective – The objective of this study is to answer the following broad questions:  What are the entitlements of women in prison?

 What are the various kinds of issues faced by women in prison?

 What can be done to improve the existing situation?
2.3 This study is based on a mixed method design, analysing both quantitative and qualitative sets of primary and secondary data.

Quantitative data on crimes by women and women in prison was collected from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

The analysis was based primarily on two report series published annually by NCRB – ‘Crime in India’ and ‘Prison Statistics India’.

All quantitative data was analysed using Microsoft Excel.
The data was checked for completeness and accuracy before being graphically rendered.

2.4 Two qualitative studies were commissioned by this Ministry exclusively for the purpose of this report: (i) Collection of primary data from jail visits conducted by National Commission for Women between November 2017 and May 2018; and (ii) A Comprehensive Review of Prison Manuals by National Law University, Delhi.

The findings from these two studies have formed the basis of this report.
2.5 A comprehensive document review was conducted of existing Government reports and studies.

Ministry of Home Affairs shared data on facilities available to women prisoners from nine States/UTs.

Qualitative studies on the condition of prisoners were obtained from the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

A further review of Supreme Court judgments/orders and reports of Central Level Committees to study the condition of women prisoners was done.
2.6 It is envisaged, that this study will be used as a primer to understand the condition of women in prison, and the concerned authorities will take the recommendations forward.

3 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 4 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 03.

BACKGROUND 3.1 CRIMES BY WOMEN 3.1.1 In 2016, over 3 lakh women were arrested for crimes under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Special and Local Laws (SLL)7.
A large number of these women were arrested for crimes under the Prohibition Act, for cruelty by relatives of husband and rioting etc.

The overall number of crimes by women has been relatively consistent over the past decade or so.

As can be observed from Figure 1, there is a relatively consistent pattern over the last 15 years, with the number of women arrested for various offences remaining between 3-3.6 lakh.
While this number is relatively large, only a proportion of arrested women are incarcerated in prison, either following conviction or under trial.

Figure 1 Number of women arrested for various offences under IPC & SLL (NCRB) 322,631 305,950 363,496 322,262 334,865 2000 2005 2010 2015 2016 3.2 STATISTICS ON WOMEN IN PRISON 3.2.1 As per most recent data8 available from the end of 2015, there are 4,19,623 persons in jail in India.

Women constitute 4.3% of this figure, numbering a total of 17,834 women.
Of these, 66.8% (11,916) are undertrial prisoners.

In India, an analysis of prison statistics at five-year intervals reveals an increasing trend in the number of women prisoners – 3.3% of all prisoners in 2000, 3.9% in 2005, 4.1% in 2010 and 4.3% in 2015 were women.
While women prisoners continue to be a minority in all parts of the world (less than 10%), the 7 Crime in India 2016, NCRB 8 Prison Statistics India 2015, NCRB 5 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA female prison population has increased faster than the male prison population on every continent.9 Figure 2 Increase in proportion of women prisoners in India (NCRB) 2015 2010 2005 2000 4.3% 4.1% 3.9% 3.3% 3.2.2 A majority of female inmates are in the age group of 30-50 years (50.5%), followed by 18-30 years (31.3%).
Of the total 1,401 prisons in India, only 18 are exclusive for women, housing 2,985 female prisoners.

Thus, a majority of women inmates are housed in women’s enclosures of general prisons.

3.2.3 As can be observed from Figure 3, the geographical spread of women prisoners varies across the country.

Uttar Pradesh by far has the highest number of women in prison (3,533), followed by West Bengal (1,506), Maharashtra (1,336) and Madhya Pradesh (1,322).
The Union Territories, apart from Delhi (579), have a particularly low number of women in prison.

Figure 3 Number of women in prison across States/UTs of India As on 31.12.2015 (NCRB) 3.2.4 The graphs below show the different offences under which women are currently incarcerated.

Figure 4 shows the various offences for which women are undertrial in prison and Figure 5 shows the offences under which they are convicted.
By observing combined 9 Global Prison Trends 2017 by Penal Reform International and Thailand Institute of Justice 6 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA figures of both convicted and undertrial prisoners we see that at 37%, a large proportion of women are in prison for murder, followed by 15% women who are incarcerated for dowry deaths.
Figure 4 Number of women prisoners undertrial for various offences under IPC & SLL As on 31.12.2015 (NCRB) Figure 5 Number of women prisoners convicted for various offences under IPC & SLL As on 31.12.2015 (NCRB) 7 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 3.3 RULES GOVERNING WOMEN IN PRISON 3.3.1 As per the State List provided in the Seventh Schedule of Indian Constitution, all issues related to prisons, reformatories, borstal institutions and other institutions of a like nature, and persons detained therein; arrangements with other States for the use of prisons and other institutions come under the domain of State Governments.
The rules of incarceration are determined by following laws:  Indian Penal Code, 1860  Prison Act, 1894  Prisoner’s Act, 1900  Identification of Prisoner’s Act, 1920  Exchange of Prisoner’s Act, 1948  Transfer of Prisoner’s Act, 1950  Prisoner (Attendance in Court) Act, 1955  Probation of Offenders Act, 1958  Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973  Repatriation of Prisoner’s Act, 2003  Model Prison Manual, 2003  Model Prison Manual, 2016 3.3.2 From time to time, the Government of India had established various Committees, Commissions and Working Groups to study and suggest improvements in prison conditions and administration.
Some of these include:  All India Jail Manual Committee, 1957  Working Group on Prisons, 1972  All India Prison Reforms Committee, 1980-83 (Mulla Committee)  All India Group on Prison Administration, Security and Discipline, 1986 (R. K. Kapoor Committee)  National Expert Committee on Women Prisoners, 1987 (Justice Krishna Iyer Committee) 3.3.3 The Committee under the chairpersonship of Justice A. N. Mulla submitted a report in 1983 containing 658 recommendations out of which 35 pertain exclusively to women in prison.
These include incarceration of women prisoners in separate exclusive 8 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA institutions/annexes, staffing women prisons with women personnel only and probation to be extensively provided to women.10 3.3.4 The All India Group on Prison Administration, Security and Discipline popularly known as R. K. Kapoor Committee was constituted in July 1986 to examine and review various aspects of administration and management of prison, especially in the context of security and discipline and suggest measures for improvement.
The Committee recommended better communication systems, watch towers, wire fencing, raising of height of perimeter walls, metal detectors, dog squads etc.

It also recommended Close Circuit Televisions (CCTVs) for monitoring activities along the perimeter wall, rooftops and main gate area etc.11 3.3.5 Later, in the year 1987, the National Expert Committee on Women Prisoners under the chairpersonship of Justice Krishna Iyer appraised the situation of women in jails and made various recommendations.
Some of the important recommendations include:  Women prisoners should be informed of their rights under the law.

 Only women constables should conduct searches on women prisoners.

 Women doctors should do medical check-up of women prisoners as soon as they are admitted to prison.

 Women prisoners should be allowed to contact their families and communicate with their lawyers, social workers and voluntary organisations.

 Women prisoners should be allowed to keep their children with them.
 Separate jails should be provided for women.

 Special prosecution officers should be available to present the case of women prisoners.12 3.3.6 The Government of India, as per the direction of the Hon’ble Supreme Court,13 constituted the All India Model Prison Committee headed by Director General BPR&D to prepare a Model Prison Manual.
In December 2003, the Model Prison Manual so prepared was circulated to all the State Governments/UT Administrations for adoption in order to make the superintendence and management of prisons more effective.

However, with the passage of time, a need was felt to revise and update the Manual to reflect current times.

Consequently, the Ministry of Home Affairs constituted an Expert Committee in December 2014 to revamp and update this Manual.
10 http://mha1.nic.in/PrisonReforms/pdf/PRVOll_121%20to%20160.pdf as retrieved on 04.09.2017 11 Advisory no.

17014/3/2009/-PR dated17th July 2000 issued by Ministry of Home Affairs 12 Advisory no.
17014/3/2009/-PR dated17th July 2000 issued by Ministry of Home Affairs 13 Rama Murthy v. State of Karnataka, AIR 1997 SC 1739 9 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 3.3.7 The key features of the updated Model Prison Manual 2016 include emphasis on prison computerization, special provisions for women prisoners, focus on after-care services, prison inspections, rights of prisoners sentenced to death, repatriation of prisoners from abroad, enhanced focus on prison correctional staff.
Ministry of Home Affairs vide advisory dated 4th May 2017 advised the State Governments/UT Administrations that in order to ensure basic uniformity in prison rules and regulations, all States and UTs should revise their existing Prison Manuals by adopting the provisions of the National Model Prison Manual, 2016.
3.3.8 A National Policy on Prison Reforms and Correctional Administration had also been framed in 2007, which gave a number of directives relevant to women prisoners – maintenance of human rights of prisoners, avoiding overstay of undertrials etc.

It further states, “Women prisoners shall be protected against all exploitation.

Work and treatment programmes shall be devised for them in consonance with their special needs.” 10 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 04.
ENTITLEMENTS & PROBLEMS The Mulla Committee clearly defined a list of rights of prisoners which include the right to human dignity, right to basic minimum needs such as drinking water, hygiene, medical care, clothing, bedding etc., right to communication with the outside world, right to access to law, right to meaningful and gainful employment and so on.

Every state is meant to have a manual of rights and duties of prisoners, which should be handed to inmates at the time of admission in the prison.
The same list is to be displayed in the prison and explained to the inmate in a language that she understands.

With the increasing number of women inhabiting Indian prisons, there is a growing need to understand their rights and better address their needs in the context of a largely male-centric prison system.

This chapter outlines some of the particular problems faced by women in prison.
4.1 PRISON STAFF 4.1.1 The National Model Prison Manual 2016 (henceforth referred to as the ‘National Prison Manual’) recognises in principle that there should be one guarding staff for every six prisoners.

Further, each prison is meant to have executive staff, medical, welfare, educational and other personnel to ensure proper functioning of the institution.
As of 2015, the total number of women jail officers/staff was 4,391, which is only 8.28% of “there is a huge shortage of staff in almost every jail of the country” the total.14 There is a scarcity of supervisory level female officers.

The National Prison Manual prescribes the appointment of one lady DIG attached to the Prison Headquarters to look after women prisons, staff and prisoners in the state.
4.1.2 In May 2017, the Hon’ble Supreme Court noted that there is a huge shortage of staff in almost every jail of the country.

It directed all State Governments/UTs to take necessary steps on an urgent basis to fill up these vacancies by 31st December 201715.

Visits by NHRC to over 100 jails have revealed a woeful lack of staff, particularly in smaller district prisons.

14 Prison Statistics India 2015, NCRB 15 SC Order in Re - Inhuman Conditions in 1382 Prisons dated 2th May 2017.

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(C) No.406 of 2013 11 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA There is a growing need for exclusive women prisons, skilled female prison officers, fulltime lady doctors, and paediatricians etc.16 4.1.3 The lack of staff in the context of women prisoners translates to the reality that male staff often becomes responsible for female inmates, which is undesirable.

The presence of women inmates necessitates gender-specific services, which should be provided by female staff.
Hiring of female prison staff should be made a priority.

As a temporary measure, prison administrations may consider linking prisons with female doctors, gynaecologists, ANMs, teachers, psychologists, socio-legal counsellors, NGOs etc.

in the local area to ensure that women prisoners are not bereft of these basic services.

4.2 ACCOMMODATION 4.2.1 A specified size for cells and barracks in prison is prescribed in the National Prison Manual.
Barracks are meant to ideally only house 20 prisoners and dormitories to house only four to six prisoners each.

Further, single occupancy rooms are to be provided to “overcrowding is one of the key problems plaguing Indian prisons” prisoners in need of privacy for the purpose of study etc.

as well as segregated cells where prisoners may be kept due to concerns of violence or contagious diseases.

Adequate cooling and heating facilities in barracks as well as washrooms and laundries are to be provided.
Inmates are also meant to have individual secure storage compartments for their personal belongings.

4.2.2 However, in reality, overcrowding is one of the key problems plaguing Indian prisons.

The national average occupancy was reported at 114.4% in 2015.
States/UTs such as Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Chhattisgarh and Delhi have reported the status of overcrowding in prisons as high as 276.7%, 233.9% and 226.9% respectively.17 Overcrowding directly relates to a lack of space for prisoners and increases pressure on already limited facilities available in jails.

4.2.3 The effects of overcrowding often become even more pronounced in the case of women, as they are usually restricted to a smaller enclosure of the jail due to lack of proper infrastructure for them.
Overcrowding can worsen hygiene conditions and health problems with even minor infections spreading quickly.

The disproportionately low number of toilets 16 BPR&D Report no.

165 (Available at: http://www.bprd.nic.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/file/201707110435168799390NationalPoliceResearchRepository.pdf) 17 Prison Statistics India 2015, NCRB 12 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA and bathrooms exacerbates the situation.
Overcrowding also has severe psychological effects on prisoners forced to live in such close quarters with one another.

4.2.4 Though convicted and undertrial prisoners are to be housed separately, this is not usually possible due to severe space constraints.

Further, young offenders (18-21 years of age) that are also to be housed separately, mostly find themselves with older women offenders.

Overcrowding in prisons also leads to children of prisoners having to live in cramped and undesirable conditions.
4.2.5 The National Prison Manual prescribes that in the case of overcrowding, the excess numbers of prisoners are to be transferred to another institution/camp.

Especially in the case of women, the priority should be to transfer them to the nearest women prisons where feasible or to other prisons with space to house more women inmates.

This should be practiced universally.


4.2.6 It is pertinent to note here that even in prisons where overcrowding is not a serious issue, accommodation is still found inadequate in many cases.

A study by BPR&D on the condition of women prisoners in Punjab18 reveals that a majority of women do not even have adequate sleeping “women did not even have adequate sleeping arrangements in jails and had to sleep on the floor” arrangements in jails and have to sleep on the floor.
There have also been reports of inadequate heating/cooling arrangements in barracks and cells as well as the lack of natural light.

4.2.7 Owing to the fact that women still remain a minority in comparison to total prison populations, they do not receive adequate specialised services or infrastructure.
Since there are a limited number of jails that can house women inmates, women imprisoned for an assortment of petty or non-violent offences find themselves in prisons with high levels of security required only for a small number of women incarcerated for heinous and violent offences.

4.2.8 Steps need to be taken to ensure that imprisonment is only considered a last mile measure in the case of women, and non-custodial measures are encouraged.

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260 (Available at: http://www.bprd.nic.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/file/201707110435168799390NationalPoliceResearchRepository.pdf) 13 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 4.3 SANITATION & HYGIENE 4.3.1 Most jails are lacking in basic facilities of sanitation and hygiene.

While the prescription in the Prison Manual is to ensure one toilet and one bathing cubicle for every 10 prisoners, this is rarely seen on the ground.
There are usually a small number of bathrooms and toilets catering to a disproportionately large prison population.

Women’s toilets should also have safe entrances and be situated in secure areas away from male intervention, which is not always the case.

The incorrect placement and structure of toilets and bathrooms in prison can increase the risk of sexual harassment/abuse of women prisoners.

4.3.2 The National Prison Manual further estimates the daily need of water at 135 litres per inmate.
It prescribes that women prisoners may have a bath or shower as frequently as necessary.

In reality, there is a lack of sufficient water, which exacerbates the low levels of sanitation and hygiene.

There have been reports of prisoners not being able to bathe for multiple days.
4.3.3 The National Prison Manual prescribes that thorough cleaning, disinfection and pest control of the inmates’ accommodation must be done “There are usually a small number of bathrooms and toilets catering to a disproportionately large prison population” periodically.

No menial duties or conservancy work related to women’s enclosures is meant to be carried out by the prisoners, but it is often found that prisoners themselves are made to clean the toilets, bathrooms and barracks.
4.3.4 Every state’s prison manual provides for a minimum number of clothes and undergarments to be provided to women prisoners as per climatic conditions and corresponding to basic hygiene standards.

However, it is found that prisoners are often provided with very limited clothing, and do not have the opportunity to wash these clothes regularly.
4.3.5 It is essential to note that a large majority (81.8%) of female prisoners fall in the menstruating age group of 18-50 years, increasing their need for proper sanitation facilities as well as access to adequate menstrual hygiene products.

They are to be provided with sterilized sanitary napkins as per their requirement, but this is largely missing.

Women are reportedly charged for sanitary napkins in some prisons or are only provided a set monthly number irrespective of need.
This leads women to resort to using unhygienic materials such as cloth, ash, pieces of old mattresses, newspapers etc.

14 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 4.3.6 In order to improve the state of sanitation in prisons, strict implementation of state prison manuals is required along with regular and genuine inspections.

Prison administrations can consider creating linkages with local Swachh Bharat initiatives to facilitate construction of more toilets and repair as per accepted hygiene standards.
Prisoners themselves can be trained to produce low cost and organic sanitary napkins.

There are also a number of NGO and CSR programmes under which menstrual hygiene products are distributed free of cost, which can be leveraged to cover a number of prisons in each state.

4.4 HEALTH 4.4.1 The right to health includes providing healthcare that is available, accessible, acceptable and of good quality.19 The National Prison Manual provides for a hospital in every prison with separate wards for men and women.
It further prescribes comprehensive health screening for women prisoners, including tests to determine presence of sexually transmitted or blood-borne diseases, mental health concerns, existence of drug dependency, etc.

All prisoners are to be vaccinated at the time of admission.

Special care is to be taken for elderly prisoners and needs of prisoners addicted to drugs.
The prison administration should be cognizant of the fact that owing to the lack of awareness and spending on health concerns of women in the “Women’s health needs, covering mental, physical, sexual and reproductive health, require particular attention.” world at large, many of them enter prison with pre-existing physical and psychological conditions, which require intervention.
4.4.2 The Chief Medical Officer/Medical Officer (in charge) is meant to visit the prison every day and make a full inspection of all prisoners once a month.

Lady Medical Officers are to be appointed for care of women prisoners.
4.4.3 There are provisions in the National Prison Manual for inspecting the mental health of inmates and providing appropriate counselling and psychotherapy or recommending 19 UNHRC Report of the Special Rapporteur on the right to mental health (2017) 13-14, A/HRC/35/21 <https://documents-dds- ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G17/076/04/PDF/G1707604.pdf?OpenElement> accessed 26 May 2018; Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, ‘General Comment No.
14: The Right to the Highest Attainable Standard of Health’ (Art.

12) (11 August 2000) E/C.12/2000/4 <http://www.refworld.org/pdfid/4538838d0.pdf> accessed at 5 June 2018; UNHRC Report on the Health systems and the right to the highest attainable standard of health, (2008) A/HRC/7/11 <https://documents-dds- ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G08/105/03/PDF/G0810503.pdf?OpenElement> accessed 26 May 2018 15 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA transfer to appropriate institutions.
Female prisoners needing treatment for mental diseases should not be admitted in prison but kept in separate enclosures of mental health hospitals.

4.4.4 Despite rules laid down in respective State manuals, the physical and mental health of prisoners often suffers.

In many cases, female wards in hospitals and lady Medical Officers especially gynaecologists are not available.
Concerns of mental health are often not given adequate importance, and women suffering from mental illnesses are often housed in prisons due to lack of other appropriate facilities.

A total of 51 deaths of women prisoners were reported in 201520, of which 48 deaths were considered to be of natural causes and three deaths occurred due to committing suicide.

4.4.5 Women’s health needs, covering mental, physical, sexual and reproductive health, require particular attention.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has acknowledged21 that prisoners have to be re-socialised and re-educated, which needs substantive changes in their perceptions, attitude and behaviour.

All this presupposes their good health, not only the absence of disease but also the presence of a feeling of wellbeing and happiness.
“not only the absence of disease but also the presence of a feeling of wellbeing and happiness” 4.4.6 While there is a need to hire full-time lady doctors, in cases where there is a lack of medical staff, prison administration can create linkages with local government doctors, gynaecologists, psychologists, ANMs etc.
Further, the prison staff must undergo mandatory training in gender-specific needs of women, first aid and basic medicine to tackle emergencies and minor issues effectively.22 This can at least ensure that basic needs of women in prison are met on a temporary basis.
4.4.7 Health screening of women inmates must be done with due regard to their privacy and dignity, their right to medical confidentiality, including their right not to share information and not undergo screening for their reproductive health history.23 Steps should also be taken to transfer women prisoners with mental health issues to appropriate facilities rather than keeping them in prison.
The aspect of continuity of care must be factored in and support should be extended to women after release so they may continue to get adequate treatment.

20 Prison Statistics India 2015, NCRB 21http://mha1.nic.in/PrisonReforms/pdf/Mulla%20Committee%20-implementation%20of%20recommendations%20- Vol%20I.pdf 22 Rule 33-35, UN Bangkok Rules 23 Rule 8, UN Bangkok Rules 16 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 4.5 NUTRITION 4.5.1 Nutrition is closely connected to good health.
Prison Manuals of each State prescribe a scale of diet with standard calorie and nutritional intake for inmates.

There is to be one kitchen per 100 prisoners.

Every inmate is supposed to receive three meals a day, which are to be served fresh and hot in clean and covered areas with adequate time to consume the food.

Prisoners observing religious fasts must also receive appropriate food.
4.5.2 The calorie intake and variety of food is to be increased for women prisoners who are pregnant or lactating and require more protein and minerals than usual.

Such women are meant to receive additional milk, sugar, vegetables, fish/meat, curd, fresh fruit etc.

as per the Prison Manual.

Every complaint about food must be reported to the Superintendent.
4.5.3 However, visits to prisons have revealed that differential calorie definition for women and men is often used as a justification to provide women prisoners with much less food than men prisoners.

The quality of food is reported to be largely adequate in most prisons, but there are reports of unhygienic conditions of kitchens and dining areas.
In reviewing the implementation of the Mulla Committee Recommendations, the Ministry of Home Affairs observed that dining spaces are often considered the most neglected areas in prisons.24 4.5.4 In order to ensure that food is being provided to inmates as per rules, regular surprise inspections are required.

Inspectors should also check whether quantity of food for women is not disproportionately low and that a special diet is being provided to pregnant and lactating women as well as children.
Fortified food and nutrient supplements may be introduced in the prison diet to improve the health of inmates.

A level of automation can be introduced in kitchens to improve hygiene standards.

4.6 EDUCATION 4.6.1 The National Prison Manual provides for diverse educational facilities for inmates, depending on their aptitude and educational qualification.

The education of illiterate young offenders (18-21 years) is considered compulsory.
Prisoners who wish to pursue their formal education should be allowed to access books and study material as per rules in each State.

24 http://mha1.nic.in/PrisonReforms/pdf/Mulla%20Committee%20-implementation%20of%20recommendations%20- Vol%20I.pdf “...basic education is not universally available to women prisoners.
Access to higher levels of education is almost entirely missing.” 17 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 4.6.2 Adequately trained educational staff and basic facilities such as classrooms and libraries should be provided in every prison.

Every State is also expected to formulate and implement a Prison Education Policy.

Engagement of inmates in education activities is also considered to be an effective method of maintaining discipline in the prison.
4.6.3 Visits by NHRC to various prisons have revealed that basic education is not universally available to women prisoners.

Access to higher levels of education is almost entirely missing.

Even in cases where libraries exist in jails, they are many times not accessible to women inmates.

4.6.4 Education can be an important factor to help women re-integrate successfully in society after release.

Every prison should provide educational facilities to women inmates.
Where there is a lack of staff, NGOs and local schools and colleges can be roped in to run programmes in prison.

In case there are some educated inmates in the prison, they can be encouraged to hold lessons for other inmates.

States should also work to link prison education with mainstream education systems so learning may be recognised and continued after release.

4.7 SKILLING & VOCATIONAL TRAINING 4.7.1 Opportunities for skilling and vocational training should be made available in all jails.
It is considered an essential part of reformation.

Every State/UT is to have a clear policy for skill development programmes and vocational training of prisoners.

A Board of Skill Development Programme and Vocational Training is to be set up at the prison headquarters under the chairpersonship of Inspector General of Police.
4.7.2 Fair and equal wages of women prisoners engaged in this are to be deposited in “prison administration must ensure that female inmates are paid at par with male inmates” their bank accounts.

The prison administration must ensure that female inmates are paid at par with male inmates.

The savings accrued from working in prison are often an important support to women immediately after their release.
4.7.3 Various vocational training-cum-production schemes are currently implemented in jails across the country in skills such as weaving, bakery products, carpentry, tailoring, textiles, printing/book binding, making soft toys, soaps, phenyl, stamp pad ink, detergent powder etc.

Some larger prisons have set up prison factories, which produce large scale goods for sale in the market.
18 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 4.7.4 However, not all skilling and vocational training programmes are well tailored to market needs.

Inmates often find it difficult to use many of the skills for employment/self- employment once released from prison.

The vocational/skilling options available to women inmates have also found to be less marketable or financially viable than those available to their male counterparts.
4.7.5 Steps should be taken to ensure that women inmates have access to an equitable number of skilling and training options as male inmates.

4.8 LEGAL AID 4.8.1 Article 39A of the Indian Constitution provides for free legal aid to the poor and weaker sections of society and ensures justice for all.

Article 14 and 22(1) of the Constitution also makes it obligatory for the State to ensure equality before law and a legal system that promotes justice on the basis of equal opportunity of law.
4.8.2 As per the Justice A. N. Mulla Committee, prisoners are entitled to the following rights:  Right to effective access to information and all legal provisions regulating conditions of detention;  Right to consult or to be defended by a legal practitioner of prisoner’s choice;  Right to access to agencies such as State Legal Service Boards or similar organizations providing legal services;  Right to be informed on admission about legal right to appeal, revision, review either in respect of conviction or sentence;  Right to receive all court documents necessary for preferring an appeal or revision or review of sentence or conviction;  Right to effective presentation of individual complaints and grievances during confinement in prison to the appropriate authorities;  Right to communicate with prison administration, appropriate government and judicial authorities, as the case may be, for redressal of violation of any or all of prisoner’s rights and for redressal of grievances.
“There is no justification in aggravating the suffering already inherent in the process of incarceration” 19 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 4.8.3 In furtherance of constitutional provisions, the Legal Services Authorities Act was enacted by the Parliament in 1987 to establish a nationwide uniform network for providing free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of society on the basis of equal opportunity.

Under the Act, persons in custody are also entitled to free legal services.
As per the new National Prison Manual, State governments are to appoint jail-visiting advocates, set up legal aid clinics in every prison and provide legal literacy classes in all prisons to ensure access to legal aid to prisoners.

4.8.4 Safety and reformation of women prisoners should be of utmost importance.

It is thus essential that women offenders be guarded against exploitation while in prison.
In a number of judgments on various aspects of prison administrations, the Hon’ble Supreme Court has laid down three broad principles:  A person in prison does not become a non-person.

 A person in prison is entitled to all human rights within the limitations of imprisonment.

 There is no justification in aggravating the suffering already inherent in the process of incarceration.
4.8.5 Visits by NHRC to various prisons have revealed that many prisons do not have a legal aid cell and very few prisoners have accessed legal aid.

States should ensure that District and State Legal Service Authorities are linked to prisons to provide free legal aid and all prisoners should be made aware about their rights.
4.9 VIOLENCE 4.9.1 As per the National Prison Manual, no male should be allowed to enter the female ward of the prison unless with a legitimate duty, after which he should record the reason for “All staff assigned to work with women prisoners is to receive training on gender- specific needs and human rights of women” his visit in his record book.

There is to be round the clock duty of female head wardens and female warders.
Women prisoners should not be made to leave their enclosure under any circumstances other than release, transfer, and attendance at court or under order of the Superintendent for any other legitimate purpose.
20 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA A female inmate must be allowed to be accompanied with a female relative during transit from one jail to another, or from the jail to the court.25 4.9.2 The process of searching female prisoners at the time of admission is to be carried out with due regard to decency in a private space by a female staff member.

However, there are a number of reports where female prisoners have reported being humiliated or violated during this process.
4.9.3 Incidence of violence including sexual violence by inmates and authorities has been reported from across the country.

However, official reports remain underestimated due to fear in prisoners of retaliation as they are forced to stay in the same place as their perpetrators.
“Prison administrations should be extremely strict in dealing with cases of violence against women prisoners” 4.9.4 As per the National Prison Manual, if a case of sexual abuse or other forms of violence faced by a prisoner is brought to light, she must be guided to seek legal recourse and lodge a complaint.

A prisoner can make a complaint to the prison officials and in writing in the complaint box.
Irrespective of whether she decides to file a formal complaint, she must be given immediate access to specialized psychological support or counselling.

Prisoners may also file complaints under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

4.9.5 Full respect to the privacy of all complainants should be given prime importance, specifically taking into account the risk of retaliation.
Despite these protections, the Hon’ble Supreme Court acknowledged widespread incidence of torture and abuse in prison by both prisoners and authorities most recently in 2015, directing States to install CCTVs in all prisons and encouraging visits by non-official visitors for inspection26.

4.9.6 Prison administrations should be extremely strict in dealing with cases of violence against women prisoners.

Urgent steps should be taken to ensure access to legal aid and counselling for all women inmates.
25 Law Commission of India, Women in Custody (135th Report 1989) para 2.28 26 SC Judgement in Shri Dilip K. Basu vs State of West Bengal & Ors dated 24th July 2015.

W.P.

(Cr) No.

539 of 1986 21 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 4.10 CONTACT WITH THE OUTSIDE WORLD 4.10.1 The Hon’ble Supreme Court has reaffirmed the rights of prisoners to maintain contact with the outside world.
As early as 1979, it stated, “visits to prisoners by family and friends are a solace in insulation, and only a dehumanized system can derive vicarious delight in depriving prison inmates of this humane amenity”.27 4.10.2 The National Prison Manual makes provisions for inmates to interact with family members, relatives and friends on a fortnightly basis.

Inmates are allowed to write and receive letters, meet with people and take phone calls under stipulated guidelines.
The number of interviews is to be liberalized for women prisoners and there should further be no limit on incoming letters them.

Illiterate/semi-literate women should be provided help in writing letters.

4.10.3 Despite these provisions, their implementation is affected by many factors The social stigma attached to women living in prison is often so severe that female inmates do not receive visits or phone calls very frequently.
4.10.4 Further, due to the low number of prisons equipped to house female prisoners, they are often sent away to jails at long distances from their homes, making visits even more difficult.
4.10.5 Jail visits by NHRC and the National Commission for Women reveal that many prisons do not have waiting rooms and visiting facilities or they are too small and noisy, thus “The social stigma attached to women living in prison is often so severe that female inmates do not receive visits or phone calls very frequently.” further hampering this right of prisoners.

There are sometimes no separate visiting rooms for women.
The large numbers of male prisoners dominate the general waiting rooms, where female inmates often feel vulnerable.

4.10.6 Prison administrations should work to improve visitation conditions for women inmates.

The number of phone calls and letters allowed should be increased for women.

Further, women should be considered on priority for housing in open jails and lower security facilities where interaction with the outside world is much easier.
27 SC Judgement in Sunil Batra vs. Delhi Administration dated 20th December 1979.

1980 SCC (3) 488 22 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 4.11 CHILDREN 4.11.1 Children up to the age of six years are allowed to live with their mothers in prison if no other arrangements for their care can be made.

This age limit varies from State to State.


As on last count, a total of 1,597 women inmates are living in prison with their 1,866 children.28 4.11.2 The Hon’ble Supreme Court issued guidelines in 200629 under which children in jail are entitled to food, shelter, medical care, clothing, education and recreational facilities as a matter of right.
Before sending a pregnant woman to jail, the concerned authorities must ensure that the jail has the basic minimum facilities for child delivery, pre-natal and post- natal care.

4.11.3 Pregnant and lactating women are to be provided with a better diet as well as facilities to boil water and milk.

Gynaecological examinations of prisoners are to be performed in District Government Hospitals.
4.11.4 As far as possible, except in the case of high-risk prisoners, arrangements for temporary release are to be made to enable delivery of children in a hospital outside the prison.

Suspension of sentence may also be considered in the case of casual offenders.

Further, the birth certificate of the child should not mention the prison as place of birth to protect them against social stigma.
“Spending their formative years in prison can have a severe negative impact on the entire lives of children” 4.11.5 Awareness on child development and basic training on the health care of children is also to be provided to prison staff in order for them to respond appropriately in times of need and emergency.

There is a prescribed diet for children, which is to be followed strictly and mothers are to be provided with diapers and other articles needed for the care of their child.
4.11.6 All children are also mandated to have access to education and recreational opportunities.

The National Prison Manual provides for a crèche and nursery school in every prison where children are present.

This is important not only for the proper development of the children but also to allow their mothers to participate in education, skilling and vocational training programmes of the prison.

28 Prison Statistics India 2015, NCRB 29 SC Judgement in R.D.

Upadhyay vs. State of A.P.


& Ors dated 13th April 2006.

W.P.

(C) No.

559 of 1994 23 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 4.11.7 As per a BPR&D report in 200930, proper facilities for biological, psychological and social growth of the child, crèche and recreational facilities are not available in every prison.

NHRC jail visits reveal that in many cases, other than a glass of milk, an adequate special diet for children is not always provided.
4.11.8 Once the child crosses the age limit, he/she is to be placed in care of the family of the prisoner or in protective custody at an appropriate children’s home.

The process of removal of the child from the mother’s care must be done with sensitivity towards the needs of the child, and only after ensuring that adequate alternative arrangements for the child have been done.
4.11.9 Spending their formative years in prison can have a severe negative impact on the entire lives of children, if not taken care of well.

Prison administration should ensure that their facilities are tailored towards children living under their care, and these children “...these children should not be made to feel like offenders” should not be made to feel like offenders.
Linkages can be established with NGOs, local schools and paediatricians to ensure children living in prison have access to at least basic services.

4.12 RE-INTEGRATION IN SOCIETY AFTER RELEASE 4.12.1 The psychological and physical effect of spending arduous time in jail, coupled with the social stigma attached to women prisoners makes it extremely hard for female inmates to re-integrate themselves in society on release.

Family ties are often lost and economic independence is a major hurdle.
As per the National Prison Manual, sufficient advance notice is to be given to family/friends on release of female prisoners.

The Mulla Committee recommends that in order to avoid the stigma of imprisonment, the female escort accompanying the woman must be dressed in ordinary clothes.

4.12.2 The Prisons Manual provides for after-care responsibilities of jail authorities to help released inmates integrate into society.
This includes utilizing options of home leave, open “Family ties are often lost and economic independence is a major hurdle” 30 Report no.

165 (Available at: http://www.bprd.nic.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/file/201707110435168799390NationalPoliceResearchRepository.pdf) 24 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA prisons, halfway houses, community-based programmes etc.

to ease transition.
to ease transition.

In some States, a grant is sanctioned for rehabilitation of released convict prisoners.31 However, comprehensive after-care programmes are largely found to be missing.

4.12.3 After-care is an essential component in reducing recidivism and ensuring lasting reform in inmates.

In the case of released undertrials it is a way to help compensate for the trials inflicted on often-innocent persons while living in prison.
31 Prison Statistics India 2015, NCRB 25 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 26 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 05.

METHODS FOR RESOLUTION Despite a number of provisions given on paper for the welfare of women in prison, the reality of a jail is very different.

The objective of reformation is often forgotten in favour of discipline and uncalled for violence.

The full implementation, in letter and spirit, of existing provisions and adoption of innovative methods will go a long way in improving the prison system.
Some recommendations in this regard are detailed below: 5.1 ADOPTION & IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL MODEL PRISON MANUAL, 2016 BY STATES 5.1.1 The National Model Prison Manual 2016 is the most recent and contemporarily valid document pertaining to the correctional architecture of our country.

It sets out some basic minimum standards for the treatment and welfare of prisoners, and must be adopted by all States as a minimum guideline.
It also provides specific measures such as gender sensitive training for all staff dealing with women inmates, which can go a long way in improving the lives of women in prison.

5.1.2 Prison Manuals of States should align with these national standards and be implemented strictly across all jails in the area.
In May 2017, the Hon’ble Supreme Court directed the Ministry of Home Affairs and States to work towards the implementation of the National Model Prison Manual32 and this has been reiterated in later orders.

Adherence to prison manuals is currently considered optional in practice, which should not continue.

5.1.3 The Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed the setting up of an Integrated Prison Software System that is to contain data relating to prisoners and prisons.
This may be taken up across all prisons expeditiously.

32 SC Order in Re - Inhuman Conditions in 1382 Prisons dated 2th May 2017.

W.P.

(C) No.406 of 2013 27 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 5.2 ESTABLISHMENT OF A NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR PRISONS 5.2.1 The Mulla Committee recommended that a National Policy on Prisons must be formulated, to reform and re-assimilate offenders within the social milieu.
To further this objective, it recommended the setting up of a National Commission for Prisons to function as a specialized advisory body for all prison and allied matters.
5.2.2 The functions of proposed Commission may be to monitor the standards and norms of different categories of prisons, enrol individuals and community groups to serve in the prevention of crime and treatment of offenders, review achievements of State correctional institutions and plan their future organisational and personnel structure in consultation with them, coordinate plans for administrative and operational functioning of prisons with the States/UTs and monitor their progress in order to have an all-India perspective on prisons.
The Commission may work out and finance pilot projects to serve as models for the development of prison administration.

It may also publish an annual statistical report relating to prison data.

5.2.3 Such a body would serve as an overarching monitoring and reviewing body, and also an advisory body for the development of prisons.

It would lead to better coordination between States and a uniform policy on prisons.

This would likely bring consistency in services for women inmates across the country.
The setting up of this Commission may thus be considered.

5.3 REGULAR & THOROUGH INSPECTION OF PRISONS 5.3.1 The National Policy on Prison Reforms and Correctional Administration states “Prisons are hitherto a closed world.

It is necessary to open them to some kind of positive and constructive public discernment.
Selected eminent public-men shall be authorized to visit prisons and give independent report on them to appropriate authorities.” 5.3.2 In 2015, a total of 41,542 jails inspections were done in the country by medical officials, judicial officials and executive officials.33 Despite such inspections, the conditions reported from prisons remain dismal.

5.3.3 It is suggested that a more robust mechanism for inspections be put in place to conduct independent, timely and regular inspections.
33 Prison Statistics India 2015, NCRB 28 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 5.3.4 The National Prison Manual prescribes that the District Judge should visit every prison in his/her jurisdiction at least once a month and give prisoners the opportunity to represent their grievances in the absence of prison officials.

5.3.5 The Board of Visitors should also be activated to ensure regular visits to prisons.
The non-official members of the Board including members of the Legislative Assembly, nominee of the State Human Rights Commission and social workers of the District/Sub-Division should be encouraged to visit the prison at least once a month.

The Board of Visitors must contain a certain percentage of women members to improve the redressal of grievances specific to women inmates.
5.3.6 All official visitors must hold special one-on-one interviews with prisoners away from prison authorities during inspection visits.

5.3.7 All reports from official inspection visits by Board of Visitors, DLSAs, State Commission for Women etc.

must be shared with District Magistrate, District Sessions Judge, State Legal Services Authority, State Human Rights Commission, State Commission for Women and State Department of Women and Child Development/Social Welfare.
State Commissions for Women will follow the comprehensive Prison Visit Proforma as developed by NCW and will regularly submit online reports in this format.

The recommendations of the inspection report must be mandatorily complied with, or in the event of non-compliance, reasons for such non-compliance must be given in a time-bound manner.

Such inspection reports and implementation records should be publicly available.
5.3.8 A fair and thorough inspection can itself be a very effective tool in improving conditions of prisons and the lives of women living in jail, and this must be carried out regularly and in its true spirit.

5.4 ROBUST GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL SYSTEM 5.4.1 The National Model Prison Manual prescribes the creation of a Prisoners’ Panchayat to organise events and activities for prisoners as well as provide an avenue to represent concerns and seek redress of grievances.
A ‘Mahapanchayat’ should be held at least once a quarter with the Superintendent in attendance for the redressal of prisoners’ grievances and implementation of their suggestions.

The practice of fortnightly or weekly ‘Nari Bandhi Sabhas’ (women prisoners’ councils) should also be encouraged.
29 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 5.4.2 The Prisons Manual also provides for the setting up of a Grievance Redressal System in every prison, with complaint boxes to be prominently installed, especially accessible to female prisoners.

A Grievance Redressal Committee is to examine the complaints twice every week.

5.4.3 An additional complaint box should also be in place for serious complaints such as sexual abuse, torture etc.

which only Board of Visitors can open.


A register can be placed at an accessible spot in the prison for submitting grievances.

Apart from the prisoner herself, her legal adviser or family members should be allowed to make complaints regarding her stay in prison.

In case the lady medical officer notices signs of torture during medical examination, she may, with the consent of the woman prisoner, raise a complaint on her behalf.
5.4.4 Prisoners should also be able to represent their grievances verbally or in writing during visits by Board of Visitors, DLSA, State Commissions for Women, District Magistrate etc.

5.4.5 Prisons that house women inmates must have a senior female officer as part of the Grievance Redressal Committee, which should examine complaints in an unbiased manner.

Women prisoners should have a chance to raise their concerns to the Superintendent during weekly parades.
In managing the grievance redressal mechanism, steps should be taken to avoid the risk of retaliation, and to ensure that the complaints are not censored.

5.5 SPECIAL PROCEDURE FOR ARREST OF WOMEN 5.5.1 The CrPC contains certain special provisions for the arrest of women – the arrest of women after sunset and before sunrise (except with the prior permission of Judicial Magistrate First Class) is prohibited and a female arrestee is mandated to only be searched by a female officer with due regard to decency.
However, there are additional areas that need to be covered explicitly by the law.

5.5.2 The police official arresting the woman should ideally be dressed in plain clothes and not their uniform so as to reduce the stigma associated with incarceration.

5.5.3 Provisions should also be made for the custody of minor children of the woman at the time of arrest.
She must provide in writing the name and details of the person with whom she wishes her minor children to stay during her period of incarceration, and this must be complied with strictly.

In case where no family/friends are available to care for the 30 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA child and he/she cannot accompany the mother to prison, the child should be appropriately placed in a Child Care Institution.
5.6 PREGNANCY & CHILDBIRTH IN PRISON 5.6.1 In case of pregnant prisoners, the provisions of the National Model Prison Manual must be followed strictly to make arrangements for temporary release for delivery of children in a hospital outside the prison.

Suspension of sentence may be considered in the case of casual offenders.
Information about a woman’s pregnant status should also be made to the Court that has ordered the detention, to enable the Court to grant bail (where appropriate) or modify the detention order as deemed necessary.

5.6.2 The birth certificate of the child born to a woman in prison should never mention the prison as place of birth to protect them against social stigma.

5.6.3 Pregnant and lactating women should be provided with special diet as per the National Prison Manual.
Mothers in postnatal stage should also be allowed separate accommodation to maintain hygiene and protect their infant from contagion, for at least a year after childbirth.

Further, instruments of restraint, punishment by close confinement or disciplinary segregation should never be used on pregnant or lactating women.34 5.6.4 Pregnant and lactating women should receive advice on their health and diet under a programme to be drawn up by a qualified health practitioner.
Inmates should not be discouraged from breastfeeding their children.

Medical and nutritional needs of women prisoners who have recently given birth whose babies are not with them in prison, women who have undergone abortion or have had a miscarriage should also be included in treatment and nutrition programmes.

5.6.5 Women prisoners must have access to urine pregnancy test kits within prison, as per their requirement, free of cost.
Pregnant women must also be provided information and access to abortion during incarceration, to the extent permitted by law.

5.6.6 Pregnant women must be given the option to take up work during their pregnancies and in the post-natal phase if they so choose.

Work provided to them must be suited to their health conditions.
34 Rule 22, UN Bangkok Rules 31 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 5.6.7 Aadhar cards must be made for all inmates, especially for mothers and infants to enable them to become beneficiaries of various government welfare schemes.

5.7 CHILDREN OF WOMEN PRISONERS 5.7.1 When deciding on the prison to which the woman is to be sent, regard should be had to her caretaking responsibilities if she has a child, and as far as possible, the woman must be given the choice of selecting the prison.
5.7.2 Children must be kept in the prison in a manner that they are not made to feel like offenders.

Administration should ensure that the facilities provided are tailored towards children living under their care.

NGOs, schools and paediatricians can be engaged to ensure that children in prisons have access to basic facilities of education, day care, recreation and a healthy lifestyle.
5.7.3 To the extent possible, prison administration shall strive to create a suitable environment for children's upbringing, which is as close as possible to that of a child outside prison.

E.g.

airy rooms with adequate natural light, minimum security restrictions, outdoor play area, opportunity to socialize with peers outside prison if not available within prison etc.

The Board of visitors shall inspect these facilities at regular intervals.
Women prisoners whose children are in prison with them shall be provided with the maximum possible opportunities to spend time with their children.

5.7.4 Children should receive a special diet and be regularly examined by a Lady Medical Officer at least once a month to monitor their physical growth and condition of physical and mental health.

They should have access to a Lady Medical Officer as per their need.

5.7.5 Children, whether living in prison or visiting, should never be treated as prisoners.
The prison staff must display sensitivity, respect and dignity when searching children.

Body cavity searches should never be applied to children.

5.7.6 Ideally, no child shall be admitted into or retained in prison if he/she has attained the age of six years.

The best interest of the child should be the determining criteria to determine whether and for how long they should stay with their mothers in prison.
5.7.7 Prior to or on admission, women with caretaking responsibilities for children should be permitted to make arrangements for those children including the possibility of a reasonable suspension of detention, taking into account the best interests of the child.

32 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 5.7.8 In case where no family/friends are available to care for the child and he/she cannot accompany the mother to prison, the child should be appropriately placed in a Child Care Institution.
It must be ensured that children of the same woman prisoner are housed together in alternative care.

The prison administration must ensure that the child be placed in a manner that she/he can interact with the mother regularly at least once a week.

5.7.9 Children must be removed from the mother’s care with utmost sensitivity, and only after making adequate arrangements for his/her stay.
A register recording particulars of guardians/persons in whose custody the children of women prisoners are kept must be maintained.

It should also be ensured that the inmate could take custody of her child from the Child Care Institution on her release from prison.

In case of foreign nationals, removal and alternative arrangements should only be done in consultation with their consular representatives.
5.7.10 Prison administration should ensure that links between inmates and children outside prison are maintained throughout her incarceration.

The place of interaction between inmates and their children living outside prison should be one where easy conversation can take place, in a positive environment, where physical contact is possible between mother and child.
5.7.11 Overnight visits for minor children living outside prison to maintain a bond with their mothers must be allowed at least once every quarter.

A separate area with a positive homely environment must be provided within the prison for purpose of this stay with the mother.

5.7.12 Prisons should provide educational scholarships for women inmates’ children above 6 years.

E.g.

In Tihar Jail, Delhi, children of inmates who are from Delhi are provided educational scholarship of Rs.
3,500 for one child and Rs.

6,000 for two children per month, subject to conditions like income etc.

This could be replicated in other states as well.

5.8 BETTER LIVING ARRANGEMENTS 5.8.1 State prison manuals must be updated and strictly implemented to provide basic entitlements to all women prisoners including appropriate living quarters, bedding, toilets, outside area etc.
Prisons can be linked to local Swachh Bharat initiatives, if needed, to construct more bathrooms and toilets and carry out repairs for better hygiene.
33 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 5.8.2 The prison doctor or competent public health body should regularly inspect and advise the Superintendent on the quantity, quality, preparation and service of food; hygiene and cleanliness of the institution and the prisoners; sanitation, temperature, lighting and ventilation of the prison; and suitability and cleanliness of the prisoners’ clothing and bedding.
The Superintendent should take into consideration the advice and reports provided and take immediate steps to give effect to the same.

5.8.3 Women prisoners sentenced to six months imprisonment or below should be issued 3 sets of clothing, 2 towels and 3 sets of customary undergarments.

This number will increase to 5 sets of clothing, 3 towels and 5 sets of customary undergarments for women sentenced to over six months.
Inmates should be able to choose type of clothing from a set of options as per preference.

At a minimum this should include saree with blouse and petticoat, kurta with salwar and dupatta, shirt with trouser/long skirt in light colours, but not necessarily white.

5.8.4 Women in their post-natal phase must be given separate accommodation for one year after delivery to maintain a certain standard of hygiene and to protect the child from infections and other diseases.
Also, sick women prisoners must be kept isolated for health purposes.

5.8.5 To ensure better living conditions, improved mental health of inmates and easier re- integration in society after release, the Mulla Committee Report suggestion should be implemented for constructing self-contained family units for a group of 8-10 women, equipped with facilities such as a kitchen, garden area, common room, common bathroom etc.

Here, women can function as a family unit, by doing their own cooking and cleaning.
5.8.6 Prison rules and practices that treat prisoners in a dehumanized way should be abolished.

For example, rules that require prisoners to abstain from singing or laughing,35 that consider it an offence to refuse to eat food,36 or those that allow prisoners to wear sandals only upon the sanction of the Superintendent, all need reconsideration.37 35 Rule 21.15(iii), Model Prison Manual, 2016.

36 Rule 21.09 (xxiii), Model Prison Manual, 2016.

37 Rule 6.54, Model Prison Manual, 2016.


34 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 5.9 IMPROVEMENT OF HEALTH & NUTRITION 5.9.1 Comprehensive health screening of women must be done on admission, with due regard to their right to privacy, dignity and confidentiality, including their right to refuse screening.

This will help in identifying health issues, providing adequate treatment and in preparing an individualised health and diet plan for the inmate.

5.9.2 Routine tests must be done periodically thereafter.
Telemedicine and jail collection of samples for routine testing may be done.

There should be comprehensive medical check- ups on an annual basis, regular medical check-ups on a monthly basis and access to a lady medical officer at all times for check-up, testing, treatment etc.

as needed by the inmate.

Papanicolaou tests and screening for breast and gynaecological cancer should be done for women on a regular basis.
In case lady medical officer is not available, prisoner will be transferred to the nearest medical facility where a lady doctor is available.

Physicians should have daily access to prisoners who are sick, injured or suffering from other mental or physical health issues.

Coverage of jails by interns or final-year medical students may also be done once a week to ensure medical services to women prisoners.
5.9.3 Women with mental health issues must be transferred to appropriate institutions rather than keeping them in prisons.

Inmates should have access to female counsellors/psychologists at least on a weekly basis or as frequently as needed by them.

First-time offenders must especially be counselled on admission, to prevent recidivism.

5.9.4 Sterilized sanitary pads should be issued free of cost to women prisoners as per their requirements with no maximum limit.
Inmates can also be trained to produce low cost sanitary napkins for use in prisons, as well as for sale outside.

Further linkages can be established with NGOs that distribute free sanitary napkins, if needed.

Contraception should be available in prison, taking into account that contraceptive pills are not only used to prevent pregnancy, but also to treat other gender specific conditions, such as painful menstruation.
5.9.5 In case a prisoner falls seriously ill, her family/legal representative should be informed about her illness and removal to hospital for treatment.

5.9.6 Medical support must be extended to women inmates even after release to ensure continuity of care.

5.9.7 Every prisoner who is not employed in outdoor work shall have at least one hour of suitable exercise in the open air daily if the weather permits.

Adequate equipment and space should be provided for this purpose.
35 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 5.9.8 Surprise inspections must be done to check that dietary rules are being followed.

Quantity and quality of food should be checked.

The system of purchasing cereals/pulses of the cheapest rate wherever in vogue, should be discontinued.38 Fortified food and nutrition supplements must be introduced to meet the nutritional requirements of all women.

Some level of automation can be introduced in the kitchen to improve hygiene.
5.9.9 Information about preventive measures for HIV, STDs or other gender-specific diseases must be provided.

This could also be done through peer-based education.

5.9.10 The prison staff must undergo mandatory training in gender-specific needs of women, first aid and basic medicine to tackle emergencies and minor issues effectively.

5.10 BETTER EDUCATION, VOCATIONAL TRAINING & SKILLING FACILITIES 5.10.1 Educational facilities must be provided to women inmates.
In case of shortage of staff, linkages with NGOs and local schools and colleges can be established.

Educated inmates may be encouraged to teach other illiterate inmates.

Prison education must be linked with mainstream education systems so that learning in prisons may be recognised and continued post-release.

5.10.2 Some large prisons such as Tihar and Sabarmati are well known for their jail factories producing a variety of products made by inmates.
This not only helps inmates earn money, but also improves the perception about prison inmates in society at large.

5.10.3 Such facilities should be replicated across the country as it will not only give women inmates a productive daily activity to help them psychologically, but also ensure a level of financial autonomy for them once they are released.

They can later use their earnings and skills from prison to support themselves better in the outside world.
5.10.4 Government schemes such as DAY-NRLM, DAY-NULM, Skill India and Digital India as well as CSR and NGO programmes can be linked to the prison system to ensure delivery of quality services and opportunities for post-release employment.

5.10.5 Female inmates should be provided with the same skilling opportunities as men.

Marketability and profitability must be considered before selecting the modules.
Women must also be encouraged to take up non-traditional vocations such as electrical work, 38 Justice A.N.

Mulla, ‘The All India Committee on Jail Reforms’ (1980-1983) para 6.8.2 36 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA mobile and laptop repairs, carpentry etc.

NGOs and CSR initiatives can be engaged to run programmes in prison and for placement after release.

5.11 ADDRESSING VIOLENCE 5.11.1 Body searches must be conducted as per clearly formulated guidelines.
While searching women prisoners, the least intrusive mode should be adopted as considered appropriate in the situation.

The type of search to be conducted should be communicated clearly to the inmate and reason for the same should be explained.

In case of strip searches, they should be conducted in two distinct steps with upper body and lower body examined one after the other to avoid complete nudity at a given time.

Body cavity searches should be avoided, as far as possible.
CCTV cameras must be used with due regard to the dignity and privacy of women prisoners.

5.11.2 Alternatives to physical and invasive search procedures, such as body screeners and metal detectors can be considered for use with due regard to safety and health of inmates.

5.11.3 A written record should be kept of the type and frequency of searches for all inmates, which should be available for examination by official visitors.
5.11.4 All staff involved in the custody, interrogation and treatment of prisoner must be sensitised on gender-issues, human rights and sexual misconduct.

NGOs and State Commissions for Women can be engaged to conduct workshops for the same in prison.

5.11.5 Adequate female staff must be appointed to tackle incidents of violence.

Prison administration must deal with cases of violence with strictness and taking into account the risk of retaliation.
5.11.6 Undertrials and convicts must be housed separately to prevent violent episodes between inmates.

5.12 LEGAL AID & AWARENESS 5.12.1 District and State Legal Service Authorities must be linked to prisons.

All legal rights of the prisoner must be explained to them on admission in a language they can understand.
37 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 5.12.2 Continuous awareness must be provided to inmates about their rights and remedies under the law through workshops and adequate linkages with NGOs, State Commissions for Women, law colleges etc.

They must be encouraged to visit legal aid cells.

5.12.3 Legal aid work must be incentivised to encourage more lawyers to take it up.

Some women inmates may also be trained as Para Legal Volunteers to help other inmates in knowing their rights and providing them with legal support.
5.12.4 Inmates must be given adequate opportunity, time and facilities to be visited by and to communicate and consult with a legal adviser of their own choice or a legal aid provider, without delay, interception or censorship and in full confidentiality.

Consultations may be within sight, but not within hearing, of prison staff.

Denial of meeting with the lawyer should never be used as a disciplinary measure by the prison staff on the prisoner’s misconduct.
5.12.5 In cases where prisoners do not speak the local language or have sensory disabilities, the prison administration shall facilitate access to the services of an independent competent interpreter.

5.12.6 Lok Adalats may be held in prisons for delivery of speedy justice especially in cases of petty or non-violent offences.

5.12.7 Video-conferencing with lawyers may be provided with proper monitoring mechanisms in place, to ensure that the prisoner does not feel alienated from the system.
To this end, mechanisms such as keeping an attendance log for the use of video conferencing facilities by lawyers, and decisions to renew Legal Aid panel membership being dependent on evaluation on such metrics should be put in place.
5.12.8 Inmates must be allowed to keep all their case-related documents with themselves to know the progress of their case and be able to effectively participate in the legal process 5.12.9 States must curb the malpractice of legal aid lawyers demanding money from inmates for taking up their cases with stern action.

5.13 SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS 5.13.1 Inmates who are foreign nationals are inherently at a more vulnerable position.
They face issues not just due to their gender-specific needs, but also because of language 38 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA barriers, lack of ties in the country and the difficulty in adjusting to the culture and society of a foreign land.

5.13.2 Their respective consulates/embassies must be informed about details of their incarceration and contact must be established with the inmates appropriately.
5.13.3 Foreign inmates must be provided with translators to help them communicate with prison officials and other inmates for easy understanding of rules and procedures and to communicate their grievances and complaints easily.

5.13.4 For effective post-release transition and psychological wellbeing, it is essential for them to be able to communicate with their families/friends regularly.

Video-conferencing facilities through new technological tools may be provided to facilitate such communication.
5.13.5 Foreign prisoners may also be provided with added food provisions to meet their dietary requirements.

Children of foreign nationals must be removed from their mothers’ care with utmost sensitivity and only after consultation with their consular representatives.

5.14 RECRUITMENT OF ADEQUATE STAFF 5.14.1 There is a need to appoint sufficient prison staff, especially female staff, for the effective functioning of prisons, and for providing basic facilities to women inmates.
As a temporary measure, prisons may be linked to female doctors, gynaecologists, ANMs, counsellors, teachers and other local NGOs to ensure women inmates are not bereft of basic services.

5.15 RE-INTEGRATION MEASURES & AFTER-CARE PROGRAMME 5.15.1 Interviews, letters and visitation conditions for women inmates should be relaxed o encourage them to maintain contact with the outside world.

The number of phone calls and letters should be increased for women.
Since women prisoners often come from a history of domestic abuse and violence, they must be properly consulted as to who is allowed to visit them in prison 5.15.2 On release, support is necessary for women prisoners to integrate well in society.

The prescription in National Model Prison Manual for a comprehensive after-care programme should be implemented.
Under this, support should be provided for various aspects of post-imprisonment life including subsistence money, provision of food, continuity 39 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA of healthcare being received in prison, housing, getting employment or starting a cottage industry, marriage, prevention of harassment by local police etc.
Provisions must also be added to support women in regaining child custody and in providing them with appropriate documents and identification papers to help them find suitable employment and residence.
5.15.3 Voluntary women’s organisations should be encouraged to work in collaboration with government agencies on various projects, including organising release of women on bail and establishment of After-Care Homes for released prisoners.39 Released Prisoners’ Aid Society should be set-up in every district, to provide single-window assistance for rehabilitation of released women prisoners.40 5.15.4 Counselling to the family members and employers of the woman inmate must be provided to adequately receive the woman after release.
The female escort accompanying women to their homes after release must be dressed in ordinary clothes to avoid stigma.

5.15.5 Prison administration should liaise with local police to ensure that released persons are not harassed.

At least one voluntary association can be designated in each district to help with post-release integration of prisoners.
5.15.6 For better contact with the political and social system of the country, convicts imprisoned for petty offences must be given the right to vote, to enable them to participate in the democratic process of the country.

5.16 TIMELY RELEASE OF UNDERTRIALS 5.16.1 All States should activate the provisions available for release of undertrials on an urgent basis.

Prisoners wanting to appeal for their release should be facilitated to start this process through the legal aid cells in prison.
Undertrial Review Committees must be operationalised effectively.

5.16.2 The cases of those women to whom bail has been granted, but who are unable to furnish sureties due to lack of family support must be brought up by the DLSA regularly in the quarterly meetings of the Undertrial Review Committee.

A maximum time frame may be decided for release of women prisoners after bail is granted but surety is not produced.

39 Justice A.N.
39 Justice A.N.

Mulla, ‘The All India Committee on Jail Reforms’ (1980-1983) 190 40 Justice Krishna Iyer, National Expert Committee on Women Prisoners, ‘Summary of recommendations’ (1987) &lt;http://164.100.24.208/ls/committeeR/Empowerment/3rd/ANNEXURE.htm&gt; accessed 3 May 2018 40 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 5.16.3 Amendment should be made in Section 436A of CrPC to allow earlier release of female prisoners on completion of one-third of their maximum possible sentence.
5.16.4 Awareness should be generated among the general public so family members/relatives of undertrials may also assist inmates in securing an early release.

5.17 NON-CUSTODIAL MEASURES 5.17.1 Alternative punishments to imprisonment should be given priority, especially in the case of non-heinous and non-violent crimes committed by women.
Within the prison system too, women should be preferred for incarceration in open jail facilities and decisions regarding early release and parole should be taken more favourably towards women.
5.17.2 The condition under Section 433A of the CrPC, which does not allow a person to be released until he has served out at least 14 years of his sentence, in cases where he has been sentenced to life imprisonment for an offence in which death is a punishment, or where his death sentence has been commuted to life imprisonment should not apply to women.41 5.17.3 Imprisonment must be used as a last resort.
Non-custodial measures such as community service, housing in shelters run by independent agencies, admission to rehabilitation facilities etc.

should be considered for women offenders.

Mechanisms such as bail, plea-bargaining, free legal aid, non-penal fines, probation etc.

can be considered to help avoid incarceration of women.

Alternatives of conditional discharge, victim-offender mediation and other such measures may be considered.
5.17.4 Community-based correction programmes can have very positive results on the reform of women offenders at a fraction of the human and financial cost of imprisonment.

This can also help women maintain ties with their families, employers etc.

so as to not entirely uproot them from their social networks.

41 Law Commission of India, Women in Custody (135th Report 1989) para 2.19 41 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 42 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 06.
CONCLUSION 6.1 The number of women in prison in India is steadily growing.

A number of issues plague the lives of women in prison, many of whom are undertrials.

Prisons are not effectively serving their reformatory purpose.

There is thus an urgent need to understand the issues of women in prison, recognise their rights and ensure these rights are fulfilled.
6.2 While there are a number of progressive rules laid down for the welfare and fair treatment of prisoners, particularly women, this does not always translate into practice.

Women face issues related to lack of female staff, inadequate and cramped accommodation, low levels of sanitation and hygiene, insufficient services to address physical and mental health needs, deficient nutrition, negligible educational opportunities and often unusable skill and vocational training.
Many women who live with their children do not receive appropriate educational, health and recreational services to raise them well.

These issues coupled with a lack of legal aid in prison, limited contact with the outside world and high incidence of violence by inmates and authorities further exacerbate the situation for women.

Their re-integration in society after release is thus also a huge challenge.
6.3 As more women enter the prison system, it is essential to make appropriate changes in services, processes and infrastructure to cater to their particular needs.

Prisons remain closed to the outside world, thus making it further difficult to ensure good conditions.

It is important to allow independent and regular inspections so adherence to rules is improved.
6.4 Prison administrators and all staff dealing with women prisoners should mandatorily undergo gender sensitive training, which will help them make better decisions with regard to women in prison.

They must also be sensitive towards the needs of women belonging to minority communities, disabled women and foreign nationals so as not to discriminate against them in any manner.
A genuine and responsive grievance redressal mechanism should be put in place to help address the violation of rights in prison and give inmates a method to have a dialogue with the administration.

6.5 By improving conditions within prison, providing better support on release and most importantly keeping women out of formal prison systems as far as possible, the issue of female criminality in India can be better dealt with.
43 WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 6.6 Comprehensive and result-oriented research42 must be encouraged in this field which shall have a positive impact on policy formulation and programme development, which will help in responding to the social reintegration needs of women offenders more effectively.

6.7 This study may be used as a primer to understand the condition of women in prison, and the concerned authorities should take the recommendations forward.
6.8 This study has been an attempt to build understanding on the areas for improvement within the prison system.

The reader will likely agree that there is a definitive need to reform the largely male-centric prison system so as to make it effective to house and reform women prisoners.

Policy makers and administrators may use this study as background reading while taking decisions on prison reform.
42 Rule 67, UN Bangkok Rules 44 ANNEXURES WOMEN IN PRISON - INDIA 45 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS ANNEXURE – I Adoption and Implementation of the National Model Prison Manual, 2016 by all States 1.

Prison Manuals of States should align with national standards and be implemented strictly across all jails in the area.

2.

Adherence to prison manuals is currently considered optional in practice, which should not continue.

3.
3.

The process of setting up the Integrated Prison Software System must be completed expeditiously.

Establishment of National Commission for Prisons 4.

Set up National Commission for Prisons as per recommendation of All India Committee on Jail Reforms (1980- 1983).

Independent, Regular& Thorough Inspections Independent, timely and thorough inspections must be conducted regularly.

5.

6.

The Board of Visitors should also be activated to ensure regular visits to prisons.
The non- official members of the Board including members of the Legislative Assembly, nominee of the State Human Rights Commission and social workers of the District/Sub-Division should be encouraged to visit the prison at least once a month.

The Board of Visitors must contain a certain percentage of women members to improve the redressal of grievances specific to women inmates.

7.
7.

All reports from official inspection visits by Board of Visitors, DLSAs and State Commission for Women must be sent to District Magistrate, District Sessions Judge, SLSA, State Human Rights Commission, State Commission for Women and State Department of Women and Child Development/Social Welfare.

The recommendations made in the reports must be mandatorily complied with, or the reasons for non-compliance must be given in a time-bound manner.
Such reports and the recommendation records should be publicly available.

8.

State Commissions for Women will follow the comprehensive Prison Visit Proforma as developed by NCW and submit online reports on this.

Robust Grievance Redressal Mechanism 9.

A mahapanchayat should be held atleast once a quarter with the Superintendent in attendance for the redressal of prisoners’ grievances and implementation of their suggestions.
The practice of fortnighty or weekly ‘nari bandi sabhas’ (women prisoners’ councils) should also be encouraged.

10.

An additional complaint box should be in place for serious complaints such as sexual abuse, torture etc.

which can be opened only by Board of Visitors.

11.

A register should be placed at an accessible spot in the prison for submitting grievances.

12.

Apart from the prisoner herself, her legal adviser or family members should be allowed to make complaints regarding her stay in prison.
13.

In case the lady Medical Officer notices signs of torture during examination, she may, with the consent of the woman prisoner, raise a complaint on her behalf.

14.

Prisoners should be able to represent their grievances verbally or in writing during visits by Board of Visitors, DLSA, State Commissions for Women, District Magistrate etc., without the presence of prison staff.

15.
15.

All official visitors must hold special one-on-one interviews with prisoners away from prison authorities during inspection visits.

The Board of Visitors must ensure representation of female members.

16.

Prisons that house women inmates must have a senior female officer as part of the Grievance Redressal Committee, which should examine complaints in an unbiased manner.

17.

Women prisoners should further have a chance to raise their concerns to the Superintendent during weekly parades.

18.
18.

In managing the grievance redressal mechanism, steps should be taken to avoid the risk of retaliation and to ensure that the complaints are not censored.

Special Procedure for Arrest of Women 19.

The police official arresting the woman should ideally be dressed in plain clothes and not their uniform to avoid stigma.

20.
20.

Prior to or on admission, women with caretaking responsibilities for children should be permitted to make arrangements for those children including the possibility of a reasonable suspension of detention, taking into account the best interests of the children.

21.

The children of the woman arrested must be left in the custody of the person with whom the woman wishes her child to be, during the period of her incarceration.
The name and details of such person must be given in writing by the woman, and this must be complied with strictly.

22.

In case where no family/friends are available to care for the child and he/she cannot accompany the mother to prison, the child should be appropriately placed in a Child Care Institution.

It must be ensured that children of the same woman prisoner are housed together in alternative care.

Searching with Dignity and Privacy 23.


Clear guidelines and policies must be made to define the conditions and modalities of body searches.

24.

While searching women prisoners, the least intrusive mode should be adopted as considered appropriate in the situation.

The type of search to be conducted should be communicated clearly to the inmate and reason for the same should be explained.

25.
25.

Strip searches should be conducted in two distinct steps with upper body and lower body examined one after the other to avoid complete nudity at a given time.

26.

Body cavity searches must be avoided as far as possible.

27.

Alternatives to physical and invasive search procedures, such as body screeners and metal detectors can be considered for use with due regard to safety and health of inmates.

28.

The use of CCTV cameras must be consistent with the dignity and privacy of women prisoners.

29.
29.

A written record should be kept of type and frequency of searches for all inmates, which should be available for examination by official visitors.

30.

All staff involved in the custody, interrogation and treatment of prisoner must be sensitised on gender-issues, human rights and sexual misconduct.

NGOs and State Commissions for Women can be engaged to conduct workshops for the same.

Pregnancy and Childbirth in Prison 31.


Strict compliance with the Model Prison Manual 2016 must be ensured to make arrangements are made for temporary release for delivery of children in hospital outside the prison.

Suspension of sentence may also be considered in case of casual offenders.

32.

Information about a woman’s pregnant status should also be made to the Court that has ordered the detention, to enable the Court to grant bail (where appropriate) or modify the detention order as deemed necessary.
33.

The birth certificate of a child born to a woman in prison should not mention the prison as place of birth to protect them against social stigma.

34.

Pregnant/lactating women, or women who have recently undergone abortion or miscarriage, should receive a special diet.

They must also receive advice on their health and diet under a programme to be drawn up by a qualified health practitioner.
Medical and nutritional needs of women prisoners who have recently given birth whose babies are not with them in prison, shall be included in treatment programmes.

35.

Inmates will not be discouraged from breastfeeding their children.

36.

Instruments of restraint, punishment by close confinement or disciplinary segregation shall never be used on pregnant and lactating women.

37.
37.

Mothers in postnatal stage should be allowed separate accommodation to maintain hygiene and protect their infant from contagion, for at least a year after childbirth.

38.

Women prisoners must have access to urine pregnancy test kits, as per their requirement, free of cost.

39.

Pregnant women must be provided information and access to abortion during incarceration, to the extent permitted by law.

40.
40.

Pregnant and lactating women must be given the choice of taking up work subject to suitability to their health so as to ensure their income generation is not entirely halted.

Children of Women Prisoners 41.

Children, whether living in prison or visiting, will never be treated as prisoners.

42.

To the extent possible, prison administration shall strive to create a suitable environment for children's upbringing which is as close as possible to that of a child outside prison.

E.g.
E.g.

airy room with adequate natural light, minimum security restrictions, outdoor play area, opportunity to socialize with peers outside prison if not available within prison etc.

The Board of visitors shall inspect these facilities at regular intervals.

43.

Women prisoners whose children are in prison with them shall be provided with the maximum possible opportunities to spend time with their children.

44.
44.

Children shall be provided a special diet and regularly be examined by Lady Medical Officer at least once a month to monitor their physical growth and condition of physical and mental health.

They should have access to the lady Medical Officer as per their need.

45.

The prison staff must display sensitivity, respect and dignity when searching children.

Body cavity searches should never be applied to children.

46.
46.

Ideally, no child shall be admitted into or retained in prison if he/she has attained the age of six years.

Best interest of the child should be the determining criteria to determine whether and for how long they should stay with their mothers in prison.

47.

It should be ensured that links between such child and mother are maintained throughout her incarceration.

A register recording particulars of guardians/persons in whose custody the children of women prisoners are kept must be maintained.
It should be ensured that the child is returned to her care on her release from prison.

48.

Removal of the child from prison shall be done with utmost sensitivity only when alternative suitable arrangements have been made for his/her stay.

In case of foreign nationals, removal and alternative arrangements should only be done in consultation with their consular representatives.

49.
49.

Overnight visits for minor children living outside prison to maintain a bond with their mothers must be allowed at least once every quarter.

For this purpose, a separate area with a positive homely environment must be provided within the prison for purpose of this stay with the mother.

Ensure that children in protective custody should be allowed to meet their mothers at least once a week.

50.
50.

The place of interaction between inmates and their children living outside prison should be one where easy conversation can take place, in a positive environment, where physical contact is possible between the mother and the child.

51.

Prisons should provide educational scholarships for children above 6 years of women inmates.

(E.g.

In Tihar Jail, Delhi, children of inmates who are from Delhi are provided educational scholarship of Rs.
3500 for one child and 6000 for two children per month, subject to conditions like income etc.

This could be replicated in other states as well.)

Living with Dignity 52.

State prison manuals must be updated and strictly implemented to provide basic entitlements to all women prisoners including appropriate living quarters, bedding, toilets, outside area etc.

53.

Link prisons to Local Swachh Bharat initiatives, if needed, to construct more bathrooms and toilets and to carry out repairs.

54.
54.

Women prisoners sentenced to six months imprisonment or below should be issued 3 sets of clothing, 2 towels and 3 sets of customary undergarments.

This number will increase to 5 sets of clothing, 3 towels and 5 sets of customary undergarmentsfor women sentenced to over six months.

Inmates should be able to choose type of clothing from a set of options as per preference.
At a minimum this should include saree with blouse and petticoat, kurta with salwar and dupatta, shirt with trouser/long skirt in light colours, but not white.

55.

Based on the seriousness of crime and especially for long term inmates, selected inmates can be organised to live in self-contained units of 8-10 prisoners to provide them a kind of family living experience, with inmates doing their own cooking and cleaning.

56.
56.

Steps should be taken to ensure that undertrials are housed separately from convicts.

57.

It must be ensured that in the case of overcrowding, the excess numbers of prisoners are to be transferred to another institution/camp, as mandated by the Model Manual.

58.

Prison staff must be sensitised towards the needs of women belonging to minority communities, disabled women and foreign nationals to prevent any kind of discrimination against them.

59.
59.

A female inmate must be allowed to be accompanied with a female relative during transit from one jail to another, or from the jail to the court.

60.

Prison rules and practices that treat prisoners in a dehumanized way should be abolished.

For example, rules that require prisoners to abstain from singing or laughing, that consider it an offence to refuse to eat food, or those that allow prisoners to wear sandals only upon the sanction of the Superintendent, all need reconsideration.
Maintaining Hygienic Conditions 61.

The prison doctor or competent public health body shall regularly inspect and advise the Superintendent on:  quantity, quality, preparation and service of food  hygiene and cleanliness of the institution and the prisoners   The Superintendent shall take into consideration the advice and reports provided and shall take immediate steps to give effect to the same.
The system of purchasing cereals/pulses of the cheapest rate wherever in vogue, should be discontinued sanitation, temperature, lighting and ventilation of the prison suitability and cleanliness of the prisoners’ clothing and bedding 62.

Sufficient water at a minimum of 135 litres per person shall also be made available for the use of women prisoners and their children, and those prisoners, in particular, who are involved in cooking and those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or menstruating.
(Already in the manual.

We have reiterated it in the women’s chapter.)

63.

Automation of certain processes can be introduced in kitchens to improve hygiene standards.

Health &Sanitation 64.

Medical examinations of all prisoners must be done periodically with due regard to dignity and privacy, their right to medical confidentiality, including their right not to share information and not undergo screening for their reproductive health history.
There should be comprehensive medical check-ups on an annual basis, regular medical check-ups on a monthly basis and access to a lady medical officer at all times for check-up, testing, treatment etc.

as needed by the inmate.

65.

Papanicolaou tests and screening for breast and gynaecological cancer should be done for women periodically.

66.

Physicians shall have daily access to prisoners who are sick, injured or suffering from other physical or mental health issues.

67.
67.

Coverage of jails by interns or final-year medical students may also be done once a week to ensure medical services to women prisoners.

68.

Inmates should have access to female counsellors/psychologists at least on a weekly basis or as frequently as needed by them 69.

In case lady medical officer is not available, prisoner will be transferred to the nearest medical facility where a lady doctor is available.

70.
70.

Fortified food and nutrition supplements must be introduced to meet the nutritional requirements of women.

71.

Foreign prisoners may also be provided with added food provisions to meet their dietary requirements.

72.

Sterilized sanitary pads should be issued free of cost to women prisoners as per their requirements with no maximum limit.

73.

Train women prisoners to produce low cost sanitary napkins for use in prisons, as well as for sale outside.

74.
74.

Linkages may be established with NGOs, if needed, to distribute sanitary napkins in jails free of cost.

75.

Contraception should be available in prison, taking into account that contraceptive pills are not only used to prevent pregnancy, but also to treat other gender specific conditions, such as painful menstruation.

76.

Telemedicine and jail collection of samples for routine testing may be done.

77.
77.

Every prisoner who is not employed in outdoor work shall have at least one hour of suitable exercise in the open air daily if the weather permits.Adequate equipment and space should be provided for this purpose.

78.

In case a prisoner falls ill, her spouse/other relatives should be informed about her illness and removal to a hospital for treatment.

79.

Separate accommodation must be provided to prisoners for health purposes.

80.
80.

Information about preventive measures for HIV, STDs or other gender-specific diseases must be provided.

This could also be done through peer-based education.

81.

The dealing staff must undergo mandatory training in gender-specific needs of women, first aid and basic medicine to tackle emergencies and minor issues effectively.

82.

Medical support must be extended to women inmates even after release to ensure continuity of care.

Mental Health 83.
Mental Health 83.

Inmates should have access to female counsellors/psychologists at least on a weekly basis or as frequently as needed by them.

84.

First-time offenders must especially be counselled on admission, to prevent recidivism.

85.

Steps should be taken to ensure that women prisoners with mental health issues are transferred to appropriate facilities rather than being kept in prison.

Maintaining Contact with the Outside World 86.


The prison inmates shall be awarded opportunity as prescribed in the rules, to have a reasonable contact including visits, telephone contact, electronic communication contact, interviews through video conferencing and correspondence with the family inside the prison.

In case of women prisoners, these privileges shall not be made contingent on her good conduct.

87.

The number of phone calls and letters allowed should be increased for women.

88.
88.

Since women prisoners often come from a history of domestic abuse and violence, they must be properly consulted as to who is allowed to visit them in prison.

89.

Video conferencing facilities must be provided to foreign inmates for contact with their family.

90.

When deciding on the prison to which the woman is to be sent, regard should be had to her caretaking responsibilities if she has a child, and as far as possible, the woman must be given the choice of selecting the prison.

91.
91.

Women prisoners convicted for petty crimes should be given the right to vote so as to not completely divorce them from the larger political process of the country.

Education 92.

Educated inmates may be encouraged to teach other illiterate inmates.

93.

Prison education must be linked with mainstream education systems so that learning in prisons may be recognised and continued post-release.

Skilling & Employment 94.


Female inmates should be provided with the same skilling opportunities as men.Marketability and profitability must be considered before selecting the modules.

95.

The participation of women prisoners in non-traditional employment should be encouraged.

E.g.

Laptop and Mobile repairing, computer data entry, etc.

96.

Government skilling programmes can be leveraged to provide services within prison premises.

97.
97.

Linkages may be established with NGOs and CSR initiatives to run programmes in prison and for placement after release.

98.

Jail factories should be set up in jails, to enable prisoners to make products that may be sold in the market.

99.

Link Government schemes such as DAY-NRLM, DAY-NULM, Skill India and Digital India as well as CSR and NGO programmes to the prison system to ensure delivery of quality services and opportunities for post-release employment Legal Aid & Awareness 100.
States should ensure that District and State Legal Service Authorities are linked to prisons to provide free legal aid.

101.

Inmates must be provided adequate opportunity, time and facilities to be visited by and to communicate and consult with a legal adviser of their own choice or a legal aid provider, without delay, interception or censorship and in full confidentiality.

Consultations may be within sight, but not within hearing, of prison staff.
Denial of meeting with the lawyer should never be used as a disciplinary measure by the prison staff.

102.
102.

In cases in which prisoners do not speak the local language or have sensory disabilities, the prison administration shall facilitate access to the services of an independent competent interpreter.Foreign inmates must be provided with translators to help them communicate with prison officials, lawyers and other inmates for easy understanding of rules and procedures and to communicate their grievances and complaints easily.

103.
103.

Inmates must be allowed to keep all their case-related documents with themselves to know the progress of their case and be able to effectively participate in the legal process.

104.

Lok Adalats may be held in prisons for delivery of speedy justice especially in cases of petty or non-violent offences.

105.
105.

Video-conferencing with lawyers may be provided with proper monitoring mechanisms such as keeping an attendance log for the use of video conferencing facilities by lawyers, and decisions to renew Legal Aid panel membership being dependent on evaluation on such metrics.

106.

Some women inmates may be trained as Para Legal Volunteers to support other inmates in understanding their case details and their entitlements.

107.
107.

All legal rights of the prisoner will be explained to them on admission in a language they can understand.

108.

Awareness must be provided to inmates about their rights and remedies under the law through workshops and adequate linkages with NGOs, State Commissions for Women, law colleges etc.

They must be encouraged to visit legal aid cells.

109.

Legal aid work must be incentivised to encourage more lawyers to take it up.

110.
110.

States must curb the malpractice of legal aid lawyers demanding money from inmates for taking up their cases with stern action.

111.

The respective consulates/embassies of foreign nationals must be informed about details of their incarceration and contact must be established with the inmates appropriately.

Reintegration in Society 112.


A comprehensive after-care programme covering employment, financial support, regaining of child custody, shelter, counselling, marriage assistance, continuity of health care services etc.

shall be put in place for women prisoners.

113.

Voluntary women’s organisations should be encouraged to work in collaboration with government agencies on various projects, including organising release of women on bail and establishment of After-Care Homes for released prisoners.

114.
114.

Released Prisoners’ Aid Society should be set-up in every district, to provide single-window assistance for rehabilitation of released women prisoners.

115.

Counselling of family members and employers must be done to adequately receive the woman after release.

116.

Prison authorities should liaise with local police to ensure released prisoners are not harassed by them due to the attached stigma.

117.
117.

The police personnel arresting women offenders, as well as the female escorts accompanying women to their homes on release must be dressed in ordinary clothes and not their uniform, to avoid stigma.

118.

At least one voluntary organisation should be designated in each district to help with integration of released prisoners.

119.
119.

Provisions must also be added to support women in regaining child custody and in providing them with appropriate documents and identification papers to help them find suitable employment and residence.

120.

Aadhar cards must be made for all inmates, especially for mothers and infants to enable them to become beneficiaries of various government welfare schemes.

Release of Undertrials 121.

All States should activate the provisions available for release of undertrials on an urgent basis.

122.
122.

Undertrial Review Committees must be operationalised effectively.

123.

The cases of those women to whom bail has been granted, but who are unable to furnish sureties due to lack of family support must be brought up by the DLSA regularly in the quarterly meetings of the Undertrial Review Committee.

124.

Prisoners wanting to appeal for their release should be facilitated to start this process through the legal aid cells in prison.

125.
125.

Bail should be granted to women undertrials if they have spent one-third of their maximum possible sentence in detention.

126.

A maximum time frame may be decided for release of women prisoners after bail is granted but surety is not produced.

127.

Awareness should be generated on the rights of undertrials so family members/relatives of undertrials may also assist them in securing an early release.

Non-Custodial Measures 128.


Alternative punishments to imprisonment (such as community service, housing in shelters run by independent agencies, admission to rehabilitation facilities etc.)

should be considered for women offenders should be given priority, especially in the case of non-heinous and non- violent crimes committed by women.

Imprisonment should be considered as a last-mile measure.

129.
129.

The condition underSection 433A of the CrPC, which does not allow a person to be released until he has served out at least 14 years of his sentence, in cases where he has been sentenced to life imprisonment for an offence in which death is a punishment, or where his death sentence has been commuted to life imprisonment should not apply to women.

130.

Mechanisms such as bail, plea-bargaining, free legal aid, non-penal fines, probation etc.

can be considered to help avoid incarceration of women.
131.

Within the prison system too, women should be preferred for incarceration in open jail facilities and decisions regarding early release and parole should be taken more favourably towards women.

132.

Alternatives of conditional discharge, victim-offender mediation and other such measures may be considered.

Hire Adequate Staff 133.

Appoint sufficient prison staff, especially female staff for providing basic entitlements to woman prisoners.

134.
134.

As a temporary measure, linkages may be established with female doctors, gynaecologists, ANMs, counsellors, teachers and other local NGOs to provide basic services to women inmates.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AMENDMENTS IN THE NATIONAL MODEL PRISON MANUAL, 2016 ANNEXURE II Clause 26.01 26.02 26.03 Provision in National Model Prison Manual Recommended Change case, In any To ensure safety of women prisoners and guard them against any form of exploitation, it is desirable that at least one women’s jail be established in each State.

While exclusive prisons far from central areas may hinder a woman’s proximity from home, such exclusive prisons may at times be necessary from a safety perspective.
separate enclosures/prisons within district or central prisons are also required to be established for housing female inmates where there are no exclusive jails for women.

Till separate prisons for women are established, both male and female inmates can be confined in the same prison on the condition that female offenders are to be kept in a strictly secluded female enclosures within the prison complex.
The existing enclosures for women in common prisons may be renovated to ensure that the women inmates do not come in contact with male inmates during their passage to and from these enclosures.

Such an enclosure should be, to in terms of an extent possible, infrastructural set-up.

These enclosures should have a double lock system; one lock outside and the other inside.

The keys of the inside should always remain in the custody of women guard inside.
The enclosures for women prisoners should have all the requisite facilities with reference to their special needs such as segregation, security, pregnancy, child birth and family care, health care and rehabilitation etc.

Care should be taken to ensure that women form of inmates are protected against any exploitation.

The work and treatment programmes for female inmates should be devised giving due consideration to their special needs.
Female prisoners should be granted equal access to work, vocational training and education as male prisoners.

independent While deciding on the prison to which a woman offender has to be sent, regard should be had to facilities and services available at said prison, to her caretaking responsibilities if she has a child, and the woman’s preference must be taken into account.

(Rule 4, UN Bangkok Rules) - Pregnant and lactating women must be given the option to take up work suited to their health.
26.04 Women prisoners shall be classified and kept - CLASSIFICATION AND SEPARATION Civil prisoners and detenues, Habitual offenders shall be separated from Habitual offenders, prostitutes and brothel separately as under: (i) trial prisoners shall be kept Under completely separated from convicted prisoners, even when their number is small.

(ii) casual prisoners.

(iii) keepers must also be confined separately.

(iv) Under no circumstance should female young offenders be confined with adult women prisoners.
Given their young and impressionable nature, female young offenders should be kept in separate enclosures and should be given treatment and training suited to their special needs for rehabilitation.

(v) including those under preventive provisions, should be kept separately from convicts and undertrial prisoners, and from other prisoners, as far as possible.
(vi) Political prisoners and those courting arrest due to their participation in non-violent socio- political/economic agitations for declared public causes should not be confined in prisons along with other prisoners.

Separate prison camps with adequate facilities should be provided for such non- violent agitators.

Notes: (i) No criminal or non-criminal lunatic will be kept in the prison.

Those currently there shall be immediately transferred to appropriate mental health institutions.
No classification of prisoners shall be (ii) allowed on grounds of socioeconomic status, caste or class.

26.05 REGISTER - A register (which may be in electronic form) shall be maintained in every place of imprisonment with numbered pages where the following details of women prisoners shall be entered: Information concerning their identity.

(i) (ii) The reasons for their imprisonment and the authority ordering such imprisonment with full details of such order.

(iii) release.
(iii) release.

The day and hour of their admission and 26.06 Details of children of the prisoner, if any, (iv) including names, ages, location and custody status.

Details of the children of women prisoners, including names, ages, location and custody status in the register.

Such shall also be recorded information regarding the identity of the children shall be kept strictly confidential and may be shared only with the mother’s express permission.
Note: No person shall be received in any institution without a valid commitment order.

- RESTRICTION ON WOMEN PRISONERS 26.07 No female prisoner shall, on any pretext, leave or be removed from the female enclosure except for release, transfer, or attendance at court, or under the order of the superintendent for other legitimate purposes.
Every female prisoner authorized to leave her enclosure will ordinarily be accompanied by a matron or assistant matron, chief warder or female warder from the time she leaves till she returns.

26.08 - - EXCLUSION OF MALES - 26.09 No male shall be permitted to enter the female ward of any prison, at any time, unless he has a legitimate duty to attend therein.

No adult male shall enter it at all by night except in an emergency, and even then only along with the female warder/female officer.
He shall, thereafter, record a clear report of his visit with the reasons for such visit, and the hour thereof, in his report book.

26.11 26.10 Male warders and other male staff, acting as escort to lady visitors and officials, shall remain outside the enclosure.

If at any time a male prison officer or warder or prisoner enters, or of attempts to enter, any ward or portion of a prison reserved for female prisoners, without proper authority, it shall be reported to the Deputy Superintendent forthwith.
- - TRAINING OF STAFF FOR GENDER SENSITIVITY 26.12 - All staff assigned to work with women prisoners shall receive training relating to the gender-specific including on sexual needs and human rights misconduct and discrimination.

Such staff shall also be sensitized regarding situations and instances where a woman may feel particularly distressed, so as to be sensitive to their situation and ensure that the women are provided adequate support.
26.13 Where children are allowed to stay with their mothers in prison, awareness-raising on child development and basic training on the health care of children shall also be provided to prison staff, in order for them to respond appropriately in times of need and emergencies.
- LOCKS OF FEMALE ENCLOSURES 26.14 26.15 26.16 26.17 The locks of enclosure and barracks, where women are confined shall, be different from those in use in other parts of the prisons, so that there is no possibility of keys for locks of other enclosures being misused for opening enclosures for women prisoners.

Suitable measures may be taken (including the provision of alarm bells) to ensure minimum delay in opening barracks in case of an emergency.
- - PHOTOGRAPHY AND FINGERPRINTS foot-prints, Photographs, and measurements of women prisoners shall be done in the presence, and with the assistance, of women prison officers or women warders.

finger-prints INSPECTIONS Daily visits shall be made by women prison officers and staff in all women barracks and enclosures, and particular attention will be paid to health and hygiene-related problems of women prisoners.

26.18 Night inspection rounds shall be made by women officers and warders.
Reports of such night inspections shall be recorded in the report book immediately on completion of such Inspection.

- Insert new - Reports from inspection visits must be sent to District Magistrate, District Sessions Judge, SLSA, State Human Rights Commission, for Women and Department of Women and Child Development/Social Welfare.
- State Commission The physician or competent public health body shall regularly inspect and advise the Superintendent on:  quantity, quality, preparation and service of food;   the  hygiene and cleanliness of institution and the prisoners; sanitation, temperature, lighting and ventilation of the prison; suitability and cleanliness of the prisoners’ clothing and bedding; take The Superintendent shall into consideration the advice and reports provided and shall take immediate steps to give effect to the advice and the recommendations in the reports.
If the advice or recommendations do not fall within the Superintendent’s competence or if he/she does not concur with them, immediately the Superintendent shall submit to a higher authority his/her own report or the recommendations of the physician or competent public health body.

(Rule 35, Nelson Mandela Rules) advice and 26.19 26.20 26.21 PRISONERS REQUIRING MENTAL HEALTH CARE Female prisoners needing treatment for mental diseases shall not be admitted in prison.
They shall be kept in separate enclosures for female patients at the mental health hospital, or in other mental health facilities, under the supervision of a lady Medical Officer.

- CUSTODY OF THE FEMALE ENCLOSURE There shall be round the clock duty of female head warders and in the female female warders enclosures.

- ADMISSION OF UNDERTRIAL PRISONERS The admission rules for under-trial and convicted prisoners in the prison Manual shall be applicable to under trial and convicted women prisoners also.
- SEARCH OF WOMEN PRISONERS ON ADMISSION 26.22 Women prisoner shall be searched by female warders in the presence of other senior women personnel/women officer with due regards to consideration of privacy and decency.

Such search shall not be conducted in the presence of any male.

Such search shall not be conducted in the presence or sight of any male.

While searching, the least intrusive mode should be adopted as considered appropriate in the situation.
The type of search to be conducted should be communicated clearly to the inmate and reason for the same should be explained.

In case of strip searches, they should be conducted in two distinct steps with upper body and lower body examined one after the other to avoid complete nudity at a given time.

Body cavity searches must be avoided as far as possible.
(Rule 60, Mandela Rules) A record should be kept of type and frequency of searches for all inmates, QUARANTINE ON ADMISSION TO PRISON AND MEDICAL AID which should be available for examination by official visitors.

26.24 26.25 26.23 Women prisoners on admission to prison shall be medically examined and, if the examining lady Medical Officer deems it necessary, kept separately in the female enclosure on medical grounds for the period prescribed by the medical officer.
After admission to prison, all women prisoners shall be required to wash themselves and their clothing thoroughly as soon as possible.

Their personal clothing shall be disinfected before being stored.

Part-time lady medical officers of the District Government Hospital shall be engaged for medical examination of female prisoners on admission.

Only lady doctors shall look after the medical care of women prisoners during their stay in prison.
Every woman prisoner shall be examined by a lady Medical Officer.

Such examinations shall also be conducted on readmission after bail, parole and furlough.

In case a woman officer/matron/female warder suspects a prisoner to be pregnant, the woman prisoner shall be sent to the District Hospital for detailed examination and report.
26.26 PREGNANCY 26.27 When a woman prisoner is found, or suspected, to be pregnant at the time of admission or later, the lady Medical Officer shall report the fact to the Superintendent.

Arrangements shall be made at the earliest to get her medically examined at the female wing of the District Government Hospital for ascertaining the state of her health, pregnancy, duration of pregnancy and the probable date of delivery.
After ascertaining all necessary particulars, a detailed report shall be sent to the Inspector General of prisons.

Gynaecological examination of the female prisoner shall be performed in the District Government Hospital.

Proper pre-natal and ante-natal care shall be provided to the prisoner as per the advice of qualified medical officer.
Adequate and timely food including supplemental nutrients, a healthy environment and opportunities for regular exercise shall be provided to pregnant women, babies, children and breast-feeding mothers.

26.29 26.28 Medical examination will be conducted with due regard to dignity and privacy - - - - - Inmates will not be discouraged from breastfeeding their children.

Insert new - Insert new - practitioner.


Medical Pregnant/lactating women should receive advice on their health and diet under a programme to be drawn up by a qualified health and nutritional needs of women prisoners who have recently given birth whose babies are not with them in prison, shall be included in treatment programmes.
(Rule 48, UN Bangkok Rules) Mothers in postnatal stage should be allowed separate accommodation to maintain hygiene and protect the infant from contagion, for at least a year after childbirth.

26.30 26.31 26.32 CHILD BIRTH IN PRISON - As far as possible (provided the prisoner has a suitable option) arrangements for temporary release (or suspension of sentence in the case of a casual offender) will be made to enable a prisoner to deliver child in a hospital outside the prison.
Only when there is high security risk in the case of any particular woman prisoner, the facility to deliver child outside the prison shall be denied.

Births in prison shall be registered at the local birth registration office.

The fact that the child has been born in prison shall not be recorded as the place of birth.

Only the address of the locality shall be mentioned.
As far as the circumstances permit, all facilities for performing the naming rites of the child born in a prison shall be extended to the mother.
- PROPERTY OF WOMEN PRISONERS - All money, jewellery, and articles of clothing, received with or found on the person of a woman prisoner on her admission to the prison, or sent subsequently by the police, or tendered by her relatives or friends on her behalf prior to her release, shall be received and taken over by the Deputy Superintendent or other officer on duty.
A list of all such articles shall be entered in the Admission Register and in the convict's warrant and read over to the convict in the presence of the Superintendent who shall countersign the entries in the register and in the warrant.
Method of storing the prisoner's money, etc., shall be according to the general rules laid down in the Prison Manual of respective state CERTAIN ORNAMENTS TO BE ALLOWED TO WOMEN PRISONERS 26.33 26.34 Insert new Female prisoners shall be allowed to retain, in moderation, certain ornaments of small value such as mangal sutras, bangles and toe rings.

The Superintendent may, however, at his discretion, refuse to allow the retention of these ornaments in any particular case for disciplinary /security reasons.
Female prisoners shall be allowed to retain, in moderation, certain ornaments of small value such as wedding rings, mangal The Superintendent may, however, at his/her discretion, refuse to allow the retention of these ornaments in any particular case for disciplinary /security reasons.

sutras, bangles etc.

CHILDREN OF WOMEN PRISONERS A child up to six years of age shall be admitted to prison with his mother if no other arrangements, for keeping him with relatives or otherwise, can be made.
Children born in prison may remain with their mothers up to six years of age, if they cannot otherwise be suitably placed.

The Medical Officer shall determine the age of children not born in prison for the purpose of this provision.

- - be Prior to or on admission, women with caretaking responsibilities for children should to make permitted arrangements for those children including the possibility of a reasonable suspension of detention, taking into account the best interests of the children.
(Rule 2, UN Bangkok Rules) Ideally, no child shall be admitted into or retained in prison if he has attained the age of six years.

Best interest of the child should be the determining criteria to determine whether and for how long they should stay with their mothers in prison.

The Superintendent shall inform the Directorate of Social Welfare about all children of that age for placing them in a home the Social Welfare Department.
Such children shall be kept in protective custody and their mother is released or the child attains majority.

Removal of the child from prison shall be done with utmost sensitivity only when alternative suitable arrangements have been made for his stay.

In case of foreign nationals, alternative arrangements should only be done in consular consultation with representatives.

run by removal their and 26.35 No child shall be admitted into or retained in prison if he has attained the age of six years.
The Superintendent shall inform the Directorate of Social Welfare about all children of that age for placing them in a home run by the Social Welfare in Department.

Such children shall be kept protective custody and their mother is released or the child attains such an age as to be able to earn his own livelihood.

Insert new - 26.36 Insert new Children kept under protective custody in a home of the Department of Social Welfare shall be allowed to meet their mothers at least once a week.
The Director, Social Welfare Department will ensure that such children are brought to the prison on the dates fixed for this purpose by the Superintendent of Prison - Insert new - - living in prison or Children, whether visiting, will never be treated as prisoners.

The prison staff must display sensitivity, respect and dignity when searching children.

Body cavity searches should never be applied to children.
(Nelson Mandela Rules) Prisons should provide educational scholarships for children above 6 years of women inmates.

(Eg.

In Tihar Jail, Delhi, children of inmates who are from Delhi are provided educational scholarship of Rs.

3500 for one child and Rs.

6000 for two children per month, subject to conditions like income etc.

This could be replicated in other states as well.)


WELFARE OF THE CHILDREN OF WOMEN PRISONERS 26.37 To the Prison administration should ensure holistic development of children of inmates confined in the prisons.

prison extent administration shall strive to create a suitable environment for children's upbringing which is as close as possible to that of a child outside prison.
The Board of visitors shall inspect these facilities at regular intervals possible, to strive create a Prison administration should ensure holistic development of children of inmates confined in the prisons.

To the extent possible, prison administration shall suitable environment for children's upbringing which is as close as possible to that of a child outside prison.

E.g.
E.g.

airy room with adequate natural light, minimum security restrictions, area, outdoor opportunity to socialize with peers outside prison if not available within prison etc.

play The Board of visitors shall inspect these facilities at regular intervals.
Women prisoners whose children are in prison with them shall be provided with the maximum possible opportunities to spend time with their children (Rule 50- 51, UN Bangkok Rules) EDUCATION 26.38 The children of women prisoners living in the prisons shall be given proper educational and recreational opportunities.

There shall be a well- equipped crèche and a nursery school attached to a prison for women where the children of women prisoners shall be looked after while the mothers work in prison.
Children below three years of age shall be allowed in the crèche and those between three and six years shall be looked after in the nursery school.

These facilities may also be extended to the children of warders and other female prison staff.

26.39 The crèche and nursery school shall be run by the prison administration preferably outside the prison with the assistance of NGOs or state welfare services.
In the event the prison administration considers it difficult to run a crèche, arrangements should be made to send the children to a privately run crèche under proper security.

The transportation charges involved in the process and crèche fee shall be borne by the prison administration.

26.40 26.41 Children in prison shall be provided with adequate clothing suiting the local climatic requirements.

For this the State/UT Government shall lay down appropriate scales.
Articles, like diapers and others as required, should be provided to women prisoners who are caring for their infant children.

In addition to regular requirement, two cakes of 150 grams of soaps/detergent shall be provided to women prisoners with children.

- - - - DIET/FOOD 26.42 26.43 Scales of diet for children shall be decided keeping in view the calorific requirements of growing children as per medical norms and climatic conditions.
Separate utensils of suitable size and material should also be provided to each mother prisoner for feeding her child.

In the event a woman prisoner with children falls ill, alternative arrangements should be made by the prison staff for looking after any children falling under her care.
HEALTH CARE 26.44 Adequate health facilities shall be provided to children of women prisoners (in collaboration with Children shall be regularly examined by Lady Medical Officer at least once a month to monitor their physical growth and condition of physical and mental health… - - community health services).

Children shall be regularly examined by Lady Medical Officer to monitor their physical growth who shall also be vaccinated for various diseases including polio and small-pox at the appropriate time.
Extra clothing and diet may also be provided to such children on the written recommendations of the Medical Officer.

26.46 DIET AND FOOD 26.45 Management of kitchens or cooking food on caste or religious basis should be strictly banned in prisons for women.

Adequate and nutritious diet should be given to nursing women and to children accompanying women prisoners.

Food articles should be of good quality.

Pregnant and nursing women prisoners should be prescribed a special diet.
26.47 26.48 26.49 Women prisoners should get special diet on festivals and national days, as may be specified in the rules.

26.52 26.51 26.52 26.50 Medical officer should ensure that food is cooked under hygienic conditions and is nutritious.

There should be a separate kitchen for every 100 prisoners.

Special arrangements for warming food / milk shall be made for women with children.
Some women staff should be given special training in management of diet and kitchens and such trained staff should supervise the kitchens and cooking in prisons for women.

Prison officers, including the Superintendent, must supervise every aspect of the prison diet system, i.e., issue of rations, management of kitchens and distribution of food.

There should be a separate kitchen for women prisoners.
26.54 26.53 26.55 Women prisoners should not be allowed to have their own mini kitchens inside the prison barracks.

Clean drinking water should be supplied to prisoners and it should be tested periodically.

26.56 26.57 SCALE OF DIET State/UT Government shall lay down dietary scales for women prisoners keeping in view their calorie requirements as per medical norms.
The diet shall in accordance with the prevailing dietary be - - - - - - - - - - - - - - preferences and taste of the local area in which the prison is located.

PRISONER TO RECEIVE DIET ACCORDING TO SCALE 26.58 26.59 Every prisoner shall be entitled to receive everyday food at prescribed times and according to the scale laid down.
The State/UT Government may, at any time, vary either temporarily or permanently, the scale laid down in the Prison Manual of the respective state, provided reasons for doing that are recorded in writing by the authorities concerned.
- - SPECIAL EXTRA DIET ON MEDICAL GROUNDS 26.60 Where the lady Medical Officer, for reasons of health, considers the prescribed diet to be unsuitable or insufficient for a woman prisoner, or her child, she may order in writing a special diet or extra diet, for a specific period of time.

Special consideration shall be given in this regard to pregnant/nursing prisoners.
Rules relating to diet of prisoners, those on specific medical advice for expectant and nursing mothers, and infants and children, shall be scrupulously observed.

26.61 26.62 Women prisoners sentenced CLOTHING to six months imprisonment or below should be issued two sarees, two blouses, two petticoats, a towel and two sets of customary undergarments.
26.63 Women prisoners sentenced to more than six months of imprisonment should be issued three sarees, three petticoats, three blouses, two towels and three sets of customary undergarments.

26.64 The clothing requirements provided above may be prescribed by each State in accordance with the prevailing climate and cultural norms.

Adequate Pregnant/lactating women should receive advice on their health and diet under a programme to be drawn up by a qualified health practitioner.
(Rule 48, UN Bangkok Rules) - Women prisoners sentenced to six months imprisonment or below should be issued 3 sets of clothing, 2 towels and 3 sets of customary undergarments.

Inmates should be able to choose type of clothing from a set of options as per preference.

At a minimum this should include saree with blouse and petticoat, kurta with salwar and dupatta, shirt with trouser/long skirt.
Women prisoners sentenced to more than six months imprisonment should be issued 5 sets of clothing, 3 towels and 5 sets of customary undergarments.

Inmates should be able to choose type of clothing from a set of options as per preference.

At a minimum this should include saree with blouse and petticoat, kurta with salwar and dupatta, shirt with trouser/long skirt.

- 26.65 26.66 26.67 26.68 26.69 26.70 warm clothings, according to local conditions and change of seasons, shall also be provided.
Children allowed to stay with women prisoners should be given suitable clothing similar to what is normally used by children in the local community.

Every women prison should maintain a repair unit where prisoner's clothing can be repaired.

Sterilized sanitary pads should be issued to women prisoners as per their requirements.

Clothing of prisoners should be sterilized at Government cost once in two months.
Prisoners should be allowed to get their clothes washed through prison laundries at their own cost.

All clothing shall be cleaned and kept in a proper condition.

Underclothing shall be changed and washed as often as necessary for maintenance of hygiene.

BEDDING Every woman prisoner shall be provided with a sleeping berth and sufficient bedding in accordance with local standards and climatic conditions.
These shall be cleaned when issued, kept in good order, and changed often enough to ensure their cleanliness.

26.71 Women prisoners should be given one pillow with pillow cover and woolen blankets according to climatic conditions.

- - Sterilized sanitary pads should be issued free of cost to women prisoners as per their requirements with no maximum limit.

- - - - 26.72 Women prisoners shall be provided two cotton - 26.73 sheets for every six months.
All articles of prisoners bedding, clothing and other equipment should be inspected by a woman officer at least once a week to ensure that proper standards are maintained.

26.74 There should be four ACCOMMODATION types living of - - accommodation: (a) (b) (c) Barracks with accommodation for 20 women prisoners.

Dormitory accommodation for four to six women prisoners each.

Single room accommodation for women prisoners needing privacy for pursuing studies.
(d) Cells for segregation of women prisoners the purpose of for security and punishment.

floor-space, All accommodation provided for women prisoners, and in particular all sleeping accommodation, shall meet basic requirements of health.

Due regard being paid to climatic conditions, the cubic content lighting and of air, minimum ventilation.

Prisoners kept in dormitories shall be carefully selected, so that they are able to adjust with one another in those conditions.
There shall be regular supervision by night, in keeping with the nature of the institution Sleeping berths in the women's barracks shall not be at a height beyond the comfortable reach of women prisoners.

There should be sufficient number of toilets and that should be maintained in a clean and decent state.

26.75 26.76 26.77 26.78 26.80 26.79 Where women prisoners they are required to live or work, the windows shall be large enough to enable the prisoners to read or work by natural light.
The place should be sufficiently ventilated to allow the entrance of fresh air.

Sufficient artificial light too shall be provided for the prisoners to read or work.

Adequate number of baths and showers shall be provided so that every prisoner may have a bath or shower at a temperature suitable for the climate, as frequently as may be necessary, for maintaining general hygiene according to season and climate.
All parts of the institution, regularly used by prisoners, shall be properly maintained and kept scrupulously clean at all times.

26.81 26.82 Insert new - - - - - - - - All parts of the institution, regularly used by prisoners, shall be properly maintained and kept scrupulously clean at all times.

Pest control must be carried out periodically.


Based on the seriousness of crime and especially for long term inmates, selected inmates can be organised to live in self- contained units of 8-10 prisoners to provide them a kind of family living experience, with inmates doing their own cooking and cleaning.

CLEANLINESS OF WOMEN ENCLOSURE 26.83 All parts of the women's enclosure in a prison shall be properly maintained and kept scrupulously clean at all times.
26.84 No menial duties, or conservancy work, connected with the women's enclosure shall be carried out by the women prisoners.

Specific staff for this purpose shall be employed.

- - PERSONAL HYGIENE 26.85 Women prisoners shall be required to keep their persons clean, and to this end they shall be provided with toilet articles, including sanitary towels, necessary for maintaining health and cleanliness.
Sufficient water shall also be made available for the use of women prisoners and their children, and those prisoners, in particular, who are involved in cooking and those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or menstruating.

26.86 A woman prisoner's hair shall not be cut without her consent.

However if, on account of vermin or dirt, the lady Medical Officer deems cutting of hair necessary on the ground of health and cleanliness.

Even then it shall not be cut any shorter than required.
26.87 All valuable ornaments should be removed from women in custody and should be safely deposited.

They should be permitted to retain their mangal sutra, plastic bangles and toe-rings.

AMENITIES 26.88 Clothing and linen provided to women should include undergarments, upper and other clothes, towels and socks in cold climates.

Adequate quantity of toilet and washing soap should be provided to them.

A sachet of shampoo may be provided to women prisoners on a weekly basis.
Sufficient water at Women prisoners shall be required to keep their persons clean, and to this end they shall be provided with toilet articles free of cost, including sanitary towels, necessary for maintaining health and cleanliness.

a minimum of 135 litres per person shall also be made available for the use of women prisoners and their children, and those prisoners, in particular, who are involved in cooking and those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or menstruating.
- All valuable ornaments should be removed from women in custody and should be safely deposited.

They should be permitted to retain religious and cultural ornaments such as wedding rings, mangal sutra, plastic bangles etc.

subject to security concerns.

Clothing and linen provided to women should include undergarments, upper and other clothes, towels and socks in cold climates.

Adequate quantity of toilet and washing soap should be provided to them.
Shampoo sachets should be provided to women inmates as per their requirement, with a minimum of at least 2 sachets per week.

26.89 Each adult women prisoner shall be supplied suitable number of sanitary napkins for use during menstruation 26.90 Women prisoners shall be provided kumkum according to their custom, sufficient quantity of hair oil and a comb.

Sufficient number of looking glasses should be fitted in their barracks.
At least one looking mirror (1.6 feet x 3.0 feet) should be installed in the barrack.

26.91 Each woman prisoner shall be supplied suitable number of sanitary napkins for use during menstruation as per their requirements with no maximum limit.

- - 26.92 26.93 26.94 INTERVIEW The number of interviews for convicts and under trial prisoners should be liberalised in the case of women.
Women prisoners' contact with their families, including their children, their children's legal representatives shall be guardians and encouraged and facilitated by all reasonable means.

Where possible, measures shall be taken to counterbalance disadvantages faced by women detained in institutions located far from their homes.

Every women prisoner shall be allowed, assisted and encouraged to write a letter and have interview with her relatives/neighbours once a week during her term of imprisonment.
A senior female officer in charge of interviews should be responsible for grant of interviews as per rules.

In view of women prisoners disproportionate experience of domestic violence, they shall be properly consulted as to who, including which family members, is to be allowed to visit them.
Visits involving children should take place in an environment that is conducive to a positive visiting experience for the visiting children, including with regard to staff attitudes, and should allow open contact between mother and child.

Where possible, visits involving extended contact with children should be encouraged.

The number of interviews for convicts and under trial prisoners should be liberalised in the case of women.
Women prisoners' contact with their families, including their children, their children's guardians and legal representatives shall be encouraged and facilitated by all reasonable means.

Where possible, measures shall be taken to counterbalance disadvantages faced by women detained in institutions located far from their homes.

Video conferencing facilities must be provided to foreign inmates for contact with their family.
- Visits involving children should take place in an environment that is conducive to a positive visiting experience for the visiting children, including with regard to staff attitudes, and should allow open contact between mother and child.

Where possible, visits involving extended contact with children should be encouraged.

Overnight visits for minor children of women prisoners must be allowed at least once every quarter.
For this purpose, a separate area with a positive homely 26.95 The prison inmates shall be afforded opportunity as prescribed in the rules, to have reasonable contact including visits, telephone contact, electronic communication contact, interviews through video conferencing and correspondence with the family inside the prison.

26.96 26.97 26.98 26.99 26.100 There should be no limit on incoming letters for women prisoners.

Illiterate or semi-illiterate prisoners should be provided help in writing letters.
A waiting room for visitors should be provided at each prison for women.

Every newly admitted prisoner shall be allowed facilities for seeing or communicating with her relatives/friends/legal advisors, with a view to preparation of an appeal or revision petition or for procuring bail.

She shall be allowed to have interviews with, or write letters to, her relatives more often, if the Superintendent considers it necessary, to enable her to arrange for the management of her property and other family affairs.
In case, close relatives of women are detained in the same prison, interview of both shall be facilitated by the Deputy Superintendent between the two gates in presence of Deputy Superintendent /Assist.

Superintendent, once a week.

BOOKS 26.101 Every institution shall have a separate library and a reading room for women with both recreational and instructional books.

Prisoners shall be encouraged to make full use of these facilities.

for environment must be provided purpose of this stay with the mother.
The prison inmates shall be afforded opportunity as prescribed in the rules, to have reasonable contact including visits, telephone electronic contact, interviews communication and through correspondence with the family inside the prison.

In case of women prisoners, these privileges shall not be made contingent on her good conduct.

- conferencing contact, video - - - - - RELIGIOUS BOOKS 26.102 A woman prisoner shall be allowed to keep, at a time, upto five books with her.
The restriction on is on account of the number of the books administrative convenience only (i.e.

consideration of space per prisoner) and not for any other reason.

- 26.103 Every woman prisoner should be offered a suitable educational programme during her stay in prison to - EDUCATION improve her employment prospects.

Education shall be a compulsory activity in prisons for at least one hour every day.

It shall aim to enhance their functional capabilities.
Every prison should organize adult education, social, moral and health education, family welfare programmes, and training in various skills for making women self-reliant.

For interested prisoners, appropriate facilities for formal and advanced education shall also be provided.

RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL PROGRAMMES 26.104 Recreational programmes should be organized for include simple women prisoners which may outdoor games, bhajans, Music, folk dances, drama, TV, radio and film shows.
Women prisoners shall be provided facilities for meditation and yoga for stress management and for improving their mental and physical health.

Every prisoner who is not employed in outdoor work shall have at least one hour of suitable exercise in the open air daily if the weather permits.

(Rule 23, Nelson Mandela Rules) VOCATIONAL TRAINING them economically 26.105 Vocational training programme should be designed to suit the needs of prisoners sentenced to short, medium and long term imprisonment.
As far as possible women prisoners shall be imparted training suited to their aptitude and background, making self-reliant.

The selection of vocational programs shall be made in accordance with the marketability and profitability of the product, enhancing the prisoner’s ability to earn their livelihood after release.

The wages earned by the women prisoners should be deposited in the bank account of the women inmates.
Sufficient work or vocational trades shall be provided to keep prisoners actively employed for a normal working day.

These may include: 1.

Tailoring 2.

Embroidery 3.

Needle craft 4.

Spinning 5.

Handloom 6.

Weaving 7.

Soap making 8.

Hosiery work 9.

Cane and bamboo work 10.

Candle making 11.

Toy making 12.

Pottery 13.

Stationery articles 14.

Local Handicrafts 15.


Cottage industries Vocational training programme should be designed to suit the needs of prisoners sentenced to short, medium and long term imprisonment.

As far as possible imparted women prisoners shall be training suited to their aptitude and background, making them economically self-reliant.
The selection of vocational programs shall be made in accordance with the marketability and profitability of the product, enhancing the prisoner’s ability to earn their livelihood after release.

The participation of women in non-traditional employment should be encouraged.

The wages earned by the women prisoners should be deposited in the bank account of the women inmates and must be at par with male inmates.
Sufficient work or vocational trades shall be provided to keep prisoners actively employed for a normal working day.

Services of NGOs and CSR initiatives can be engaged to run programmes in prison and also provide post-release placement services.

These may include: 1.

Laptop and Mobile repairing 2.

Computer data entry 3.

Cooking/Baking/Papad-Making etc.

4.

Tailoring 16.

Gardening 17.

Sewing machine repair 18.

Typing 19.

Computer training 20.

Beautician's work 21.


Telephone operation and secretarial practice 22.

Agricultural, horticultural, diary projects 23.

Poultry 24.

Sericulture 25.

Fishery 26.

Mushroom cultivation 27.

Fruit preservation 28.

Local projects LABOUR 26.106 Prisoners shall be paid equitable remuneration for their work and no disparity in wages shall accrue on account of gender differences.
26.107 The system should also provide that a part of earnings is set aside by the administration to constitute a savings fund to be handed over to the prisoners on their release.

26.108 Under the system the prisoner shall be allowed to spend at least a part of their earnings on approved articles for their own use and to send a part of it to their family.

26.109 Unless medically advised not to work, all prisoners shall be engaged in work and activity in the prison, for which they will be paid proper wages.
5.

Embroidery 6.

Needle craft 7.

Spinning 8.

Handloom 9.

Weaving 10.

Soap making 11.

Hosiery work 12.

Cane and bamboo work 13.

Candle making 14.

Toy making 15.

Pottery 16.

Carpentry 17.

Stationery articles 18.

Local Handicrafts 19.

Cottage industries 20.

Gardening 21.

Sewing machine repair 22.

Typing 23.

Computer training 24.

Beautician's work 25.

Telephone operation and secretarial diary horticultural, practice 26.

Agricultural, projects 27.

Poultry 28.

Sericulture 29.

Fishery 30.


Mushroom cultivation 31.

Fruit preservation 32.

Local projects - - - Unless medically advised not to work, all prisoners shall be engaged in work and activity in the prison, for which they will be paid proper wages.

Pregnant and lactating women must be given the choice of taking up work subject to suitability to their health.
HEALTH/MEDICAL FACILITIES Prison staff must be trained in first aid and basic medicine (Rule 33-35, UN Bangkok Rules) Medical examinations of all prisoners must be done periodically with due regard to dignity and privacy.

There should be comprehensive medical checkups on an annual basis, regular medical checkups on a monthly basis and access to a lady medical officer at all times for check up, testing, treatment etc.

as needed by the inmate.


Papanicolaou tests and screening for breast and gynaecological cancer should be done at regular intervals.

In case lady medical officer is not available, prisoner will be transferred to the nearest medical facility where a lady doctor is available.
in Contraception should be available in the prison on an equal basis as community, taking into account that contraceptive pills are not only used to prevent pregnancy, but also to treat other gender specific conditions, such as painful menstruation (Rule 18, UN Bangkok Rules) - 26.110 Every woman prison shall have a 10 bed hospital for women.

Treatment programs should be properly planned and developed in every woman’s prison.

At least one and more woman gynecologist and psychiatrist shall be provided.
Modern equipments for X-ray, ECG, ultrasound and sonography should be available - Insert new Insert new - 26.111 In addition to the details required to be recorded after health screening in accordance with Appendix- 2, the health screening of women prisoners shall also to include a comprehensive screening determine Primary Health Care needs, and to determine: a.
The presence of sexually transmitted diseases or blood-borne diseases; and, depending on risk factors, women prisoners may also be offered testing for HIV, with pre - and post - test counseling; b.
Mental Health Care needs, including post- traumatic stress disorder and risk of suicide and self harm; c. The reproductive health history of the woman recent related prisoner, or pregnancies, childbirth and any reproductive health issues; including current d. The existence of drug dependency; e. Sexual abuse and other forms of violence that may have been suffered prior to admission.
- Insert new 26.112 Female prisoners suffering from psychosomatic and psychological disorders, victims of sexual abuse and those having mental health issues, should get proper counseling and medical treatment.

Insert new - 26.113 The right of women prisoners to medical confidentiality, including specifically the right not to share information and not to undergo screening in relation to their reproductive health history, shall be respected at all times.
(Rule 8 of the UN Bangkok rules) access suffering prisoners jail collection of Telemedicine and samples for routine testing may be done.

Female from psychosomatic psychological and disorders, victims of sexual abuse and those having mental health issues, should get regular counseling and medical treatment as required.

Inmates should female have counselors/psychologists at least on a weekly basis or as frequently as needed by them.
All women especially pregnant/lactating women should receive advice on their health and diet under a programme to be drawn up by a qualified health practitioner.

(Rule 48, UN Bangkok Rules) - prisoners, to 26.114 Women prisoners shall receive education and information about preventive healthcare measures, including on HIV, sexually transmitted diseases and other blood borne diseases, as well as gender- specific health conditions.
(Rule 17 of the UN Bangkok rules) LEGAL AID 26.115 To ensure access to justice to all, timely legal aid services should be provided to needy prisoners at State expenses as prescribed by the State Government.

Prison Administration should be assisted by the State/ District Legal Service information Women prisoners shall receive education and about preventive healthcare measures, including on HIV, sexually transmitted diseases and other blood borne diseases, as well as gender- specific health conditions.
Peer-based education may be adopted, especially for information on prevention of mother-to- child transmission of HIV/AIDS.

Cases where bail has been granted but woman is unable to furnish sureties due to lack of family support should be brought up by DLSA regularly in the meetings of the Undertrial Review Committee.

Authority for this purpose through a panel of advocates earmarked for the jails/courts.
26.116 For this purpose, socio- legal counseling cell shall be set up in each institution to be managed by volunteers from a designated law school, school of social work, or a non- governmental voluntary agency.

Work done by students while working in such a cell shall be given academic credit and shall form a part of the students graded curriculum.
- Insert new 26.117 Assistance of lady members of the district legal aid committee shall be made available to women Incentivize lawyers to encourage them to take up legal aid work Train some of the women inmates as PLVs Adequate opportunity, time and facilities to be visited by and to communicate and consult with a legal adviser of their own choice or a legal aid provider, without delay, interception or censorship and in full confidentiality, on any legal matter, in conformity with applicable domestic law.
Consultations may be within sight, but not within hearing, of prison staff.

In cases in which prisoners do not speak the local language, the prison administration shall facilitate access to the services of an independent interpreter.

competent (Rule 61, Nelson Mandela Rules) Newly admitted prisoners should be informed of their rights and given access to legal aid in the language that they understand.
(Rule 2, UN Bangkok Rules) Prisoners with sensory disabilities should be provided with information in a manner appropriate to their needs (Rule 55(2), UN Bangkok Rules) The Undertrial Review Committee must consider women’s cases on priority - Women inmates should be allowed to consult with a legal adviser of their own choice or a legal aid provider, without delay, interception or censorship and in full confidentiality.

Consultations may be within sight, but not within hearing, of prison staff.
In cases that prisoners do not speak the language, the prison administration shall facilitate access to the independent services competent interpreter.

- local an of prisoners to help them with their procedural and legal problems.

26.118 The practice of fortnightly or weekly nari bandi sabhas (women prisoner's Councils) shall be utilized as a modality for orientation of, and interaction with, prisoners and for training in participative custodial living.
- Insert new 26.119 In the event existence of sexual abuse or other forms of violence before or during detention is discovered, the woman prisoner shall be informed of her right to seek recourse from judicial authorities.

The woman prisoner should be fully informed of the procedures and steps involved.

If the woman prisoner agrees to take legal action, appropriate staff shall be informed and the case immediately referred to the competent authority for investigation.
Prison authorities shall help such women to access legal assistance.

26.120 In such cases, regardless of whether the woman chooses to take legal action, prison authorities shall endeavour to ensure that she has immediate access to specialized psychological support or counseling.

- Lok Adalats may be held in prisons for delivery of speedy justice especially in cases of petty or non-violent offences.
In the event existence of sexual abuse or other forms of violence before or during detention is discovered, the women prisoner shall be informed of her right to seek recourse from judicial authorities.

The women prisoner should be fully informed of the procedures and steps involved.

If the women prisoner agrees to take legal action, appropriate staff shall be informed and the case immediately referred to the competent authority for investigation.
Prison authorities shall help such women to access legal assistance.

Mechanisms must be in place to prevent the risk of retaliation.

- FACILITIES FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS 26.121 Women prisoners, who are foreign nationals, shall be allowed reasonable facilities to communicate with their diplomatic and consular representatives.

Those who are nationals of other countries, or refugees, shall be allowed similar facilities to communicate with any agency whose task is to protect such persons.
Translators must be provided to foreign nationals to help them communicate with prison staff 26.122 PREMATURE RELEASE - In line with gender-sensitive management policy, a liberal approach would be allowed while determining cases of premature release of women prisoners particularly in cases where she has been the sole breadwinner, or where no surrogate care is possible for the dependents of women prisoners.
As far as possible, expectant mothers may be release on suspended sentences, or otherwise, to avoid delivery of their child inside the prison.

PROBATION OF OFFENDERS ACT, 1958 26.123 Probation of Offenders Act, 1958, shall be extensively used in case of women offenders to corrective suitable non-institutional provide treatment to them.

- 26.124 The probation system should be strengthened in close coordination with the judiciary.
Probation Services the administrative control of the Directorate of Prisons and Correctional Services only.

brought should under be Non-custodial measures must be used for women prisoners convicted for petty offences such as community service.

TRANSFER OF WOMEN CONVICTS FOR RELEASE 26.125 Every woman confined in a prison other than that of the district of her residence, shall be transferred to such prison in the district of her residence 10 days before her release.
The sanction of Inspector General of Prisons for such transfers within the state shall not be required.

Selection of her prison should be done while taking into account her preference, caretaking responsibilities and availability of appropriate services in the proposed prison.
RELEASE OF WOMEN PRISONERS The female escort must be dressed in ordinary clothes to avoid stigma 26.126 Before a woman Prisoner is released, sufficient advance notice shall be given to her relatives or friends to be present at the prison and receive her.

If no relative appears on the day of her release, she shall be sent to her home under the charge of female escort.
The Deputy Superintendent shall record in her report book about arrangements made for the same release and escort of woman prisoner to her home.
AFTER-CARE, REHABILITATION AND FOLLOW UP 26.127 Prison authorities shall utilize options such as home leaves, open prisons, halfway houses and community-based programmes and services to the maximum possible extent for women prisoners, to ease the transition from prison to liberty, to reduce stigma and to re- establish their contact with their families at the earliest possible stage.
26.128 Prison authorities, in cooperation with probation and/or social welfare services, local community groups and non-governmental organisations, shall design and implement comprehensive pre- and post-release reintegration programmes which take into account the gender-specific needs of women.

After-care services/programmes should include all in proper kinds of help which could result readjustment of the released women prisoners in the society.
- housing, Various aspects of post-imprisonment life including employment, marriage, regaining of child custody, prevention of harassment by local police etc.

must be taken care of in the programme.
Service providers and agents: Service providers and agencies, governmental or otherwise, which assist released prisoners in re-establishing themselves in society shall ensure, so far as is possible and necessary, that released prisoners are provided with appropriate documents and identification papers, have suitable homes and work to go to, are suitably and adequately clothed having regard to the climate and season and have sufficient means to reach their destination - 26.129 Women prisoners willing to get married after their release should be rendered all necessary help.
26.130 There shall be at least one designated voluntary organization in each district to which the work of extending help to a released prisoner could be entrusted.

26.131 The approved representatives of such agencies shall have necessary access to the institutions and to women prisoners, and shall be taken into confidence from the start of their sentences.

It is desirable that the activities of such agencies are centrally monitored and coordinated in order to secure the best use of their services.
26.132 26.133 After-care of women prisoners, discharged from prisons and allied institutions, should be the statutory function of the Department of Prisons and Correctional Services 26.134 There should be women staff in the aftercare and in the headquarters of the follow-up units Department of Prisons and Correctional Services in each state / UT.

- - - - - 26.135 Woman Probation Officers should be in charge of - after-care and follow-up work.
26.136 The after-care and follow-up unit should evolve an objective method of assessing the post-release needs of women prisoners.

26.137 Restriction on employment of women released from prisons in government or public service undertaking should be removed by suitable amendment of the rules.
- - 26.138 Prison reforms of LINKAGES WITH OUTSIDE WELFARE AGENCIES through participation private enterprises and non-profit organizations who could collectively facilitate implementation of various processes and systems to encourage prison can be achieved the Government, - industries.
The representatives from other districts and other prisons in the State, representatives from the industry, representative from the NGOs for training and skill development can be considered as members of the Jail Industry Board.
26.139 The Superintendent of Prison cell establish a functional linkage and co-operational relation with a select group of social activists/ NGOs serving and taking up the cause of women in general and women offenders in particular, so that the prison administration and the NGOs can together wage a war against social stigma attached to women in custody.
As this is a battle to be fought more in minds than in fields, frequent seminars/symposia shall be conducted to elaborate on the need of after-release rehabilitation of women offenders, and to create a favorable public opinion.
26.140 Comprehensive, intensive and incessant counseling of women offenders and members of the families shall be carried out by these groups of social activist/NGOs to preempt/overcome the aversion of the society to women prisoners, which otherwise might deter and derail proper rehabilitation of women in custody.
26.141 Counseling programmes should focus on the emotional and psychological issues of women prisoners, particularly for those who have been victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and substance abuse.

The counseling programmes should: i. help address any mental health issues that she may be suffering from and suggest effective coping strategies, facilitate her society after release; re-integration into ii.

ii.
ii.

focus on removing any further damaging impact that imprisonment could have on women inmates, and seek to enhance self-worth, autonomy and self-efficacy.

26.142 Special programmes may be initiated to address underlying factors that lead to criminal behavior, instance, separate programmes addressing for substance addiction-related issues.

- - - - 26.143 The literacy and vocational training for women offenders shall be conducted in such a manner that it: - i. ii.

iii.
iii.

inmates endows women with professional capabilities and expertise in one, or more than one, vocation, so as to enable them to earn a living and lead a self-supporting life after release; eradicate crime nexus; empower women to make lifestyle changes positive context of the within education, support and recovery.

the poverty- Special programmes should be initiated for women prisoners with physical and mental disabilities.
The programmes should also involve imparting life skill- based education, and disseminating information about preventive health care measures, including prevention from HIV, sexually transmitted diseases and other blood borne diseases, as well as gender specific health conditions.

26.144 Arrangements for public display of the products made by women prisoners will boost their morale, instill confidence into them, and rekindle the flames of hope for a normal life at large.
Moreover, it will pave the way for the much needed and awareness, sympathetic to the women living behind the bars.

supportive social - PRISONERS SUFFERING FROM MENTAL ILLNESSES 26.145 Women who are found mentally ill shall not be detained in prison.

Arrangement shall be made for the removal to mental home/Institutions for mentally ill prisoners who happen to be admitted in prisons.
26.146 When transferring a mentally ill woman prisoner to mental home and back to the prison, a female warder shall accompany the police escort, provided - - to such prisoner, whenever possible.

The families of such prisoners shall be traced and informed of the prisoners' whereabouts and health status.
26.147 Steps shall be taken, by arrangement with the appropriate agencies, to ensure the continuation of psychiatric treatment after release and provisions of social psychiatric after-care, whenever it is deemed necessary.

- PRISON DISCIPLINE 26.148 Discipline and order shall be maintained with firmness but with no more restriction than is necessary for safe custody and well ordered institutional life.
26.149 No women prisoner shall be punished in the prison until she has been informed of the offence alleged against her and given proper opportunity of presenting her defence.

The competent authority shall conduct a thorough investigation of the case before awarding punishment.
26.150 Prison offenses and indiscipline may be dealt with in in Chapter XXI (prison the manner provided discipline) subject to the following conditions: - - confinement Instruments of restraint, punishment by close disciplinary segregation shall never be used on pregnant and lactating women.

or i. ii.

by Punishment close confinement or disciplinary segregation shall not be applied pregnant to women, women with infants and breastfeeding mothers in prison.
Disciplinary sanctions for women prisoners shall not include a prohibition of family contact, especially the children.
The following acts are prohibited: Indefinite solitary confinement; Prolonged solitary confinement; Placement of a prisoner in a dark or constantly lit cell; Corporal punishment or the reduction of a prisoner’s diet or drinking water; Collective punishment; Indefinite prohibition on family contact; and Instruments of restraint as a sanction for disciplinary action Instruments of restraint shall never be used on women during labour, during birth and immediately after birth.
REQUESTS AND COMPLAINTS have 26.151 During the weekly parades, every woman prisoner shall of making requests/complaints to the superintendent who in such shall turn, complaints/requests.

deal with opportunity promptly an - 26.152 A complaint box shall be fixed at a prominent place in the woman’s enclosure which shall be opened in the presence of the Superintendent at least twice a week.

Every complaint or request found in it shall be registered and properly dealt with and replied to without undue delay.
The prison social welfare and legal aid counseling staff, or literate prisoners, shall be utilized to assist illiterate prisoners in recording their complaints.

All such complaints shall be received and tackled in an understanding manner without the risk of retribution to the complainant.

Women prisoners who report abuse shall be provided immediate protection, support and counseling and the claim shall be investigated by competent and independent authorities, with full the principle of confidentiality.
respect Protection measures shall take into account specifically the risk of retaliation.

for An additional Complaint box should also be in place for serious complaints such as sexual abuse, torture etc.

which can be opened only by Board of Visitors.

A register can be placed at an accessible spot for submitting grievances.

the prison in Apart from the prisoner herself, her legal adviser or family members should be allowed to make complaints regarding her stay in prison.
In managing the grievance redressal mechanism, steps should be taken to avoid the risk of retaliation and to ensure that complaints are not censored.

(Rule 25(1)(2) UN Bangkok Rules) should represent Prisoners their grievances verbally or in writing during visits by Board of Visitors, DLSA, State Commissions for Women, District Magistrate etc.

All official visitors must hold special one- on-one interviews with prisoners away from prison authorities during inspection visits.
The Board of Visitors must ensure representation of female members.

- 26.153 Appropriate guidance and assistance should be given to women prisoners for filling complaints internal against sexual harassment with the complaints committee constituted under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

26.154 The Board of Visitors shall monitor the conditions of detention and treatment of women prisoners in particular.
- WOMEN PERSONNEL 26.155 In a prison for convicted women prisoners there shall be one post of a lady Superintendent.

26.156 The woman’s enclosures attached to the sub- prisons and district prisons shall be in the charge of a lady Deputy/Assistant Superintendent.

They will - - be assisted by a female Chief Head Warder, Head Warder and female Warders.

26.157 The following officials shall be posted in every prison for women as per recruitment in accordance with the directions of State/UT government.
Lady superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Chief Welfare Officer, - i. ii.

iii.

iv.

v. Welfare Officer, vi.

Law Officer, vii.

Probation Officer, viii.

Chief Head Warder, ix.

Head Warder, x. Warder/Matrons, xi.

Teachers, xii.

Instructors, xiii.

Psychiatrist, xiv.

Doctor, gynecologist, Clerks, Aftercare officer, Warders.

xv.

xvi.

xvii.
xv.

xvi.

xvii.

specially LADY DIG AT THE HEADQUARTER 26.158 There shall be one post of lady DIG attached to the prisons Department's Headquarters to look after women prisons, women prison staff and women prisoners.

Inquiries pertaining to women prisoners shall be conducted by the lady DIG, who shall submit her finding to the Inspector General of Prisons with her recommendations.
- TERMS OF SERVICE AND TRAINING 26.159 Women warders and all other women prison officers shall be provided, basic initial training, in- service training and refresher courses to keep them in touch with contemporary developments in the field of their work.

26.160 Every woman member of prison staff shall be provided training in Human Rights and various aspects of correctional work.
26.161 All promotions up to the level of Deputy Superintendent should be made subject to pre- promotional qualifying examination.

All those who - Training must be provided to all staff involved in custody, interrogation and treatment of prisoners about torture - qualify in this examination should be eligible for promotion to the next higher post.

26.162 Physical fitness and psychological test should be - essential prerequisites for direct recruitment.
26.163 All new recruits should be given basic initial in- service training.

Officers and staff on deputation should be put through short duration orientation courses.

- 26.164 Adequate training reserve should be provided in - each cadre of the prison service.

26.165 Basic initial training, in-service training, refresher courses should be organized by the training institutions for various categories of personnel.
Gender sensitization should form a part of the training course OTHER FACILITIES FOR WOMEN STAFF 26.166 Study teams of senior women officers should be deputed to visit prison institutions in various states in the country as also those in other countries.

- 26.167 Staff meetings and conferences should be regularly - held.

26.168 A welfare fund should be established in each - State/UT.
- - - 26.169 Proper forum should be provided at the institutional and state levels for women prison staff to ventilate their grievances.

In case of death of a women prison staff in lawful discharge of her duties, a lump sum of Rs.

2 lakh should be paid to her survivors/family.

26.170 26.171 All good work done by women prison personnel should be given proper publicity and should be highlighted through the media.

26.172 Residential quarter should be provided to all - members of the women prison.
26.173 Adequate leave-reserve should be provided while - fixing staffing norms.

26.174 Every member of the women staff shall be allowed - a day off once a week.

26.175 Women prison personnel should be paid salaries and allowances at par with those of equivalent ranks in the police department.

26.176 Every direct recruit in service should have opportunities of at least three promotions during the span of her career.
26.177 Proper forum should be provided at the prisons, at the state level, for women prison personnel to ventilate their problems grievances common to them.

- - - CRECHE AND CANTEEN FACILITIES TO STAFF 26.178 Some prison female staff should be given special training in the management of canteen and such officials should be put in charge of supervising the canteen.

26.179 Female staff shall be provided services of crèche for proper care of their young children while they are on duty.
26.180 Canteen facilities should be made available.

26.181 Female prison staff shall be allowed the option to take their meals during duty hours with prisoners free of cost.

- - - - ESCORTING OF WOMEN PRISONERS 26.182 The matron/ female Head warder shall escort every female prisoner leaving the women's enclosure, and shall remain with the prisoner until the prisoner returns to the enclosure.

She shall accompany the female prisoner under transfer.
Wherever necessary, services of women police will be utilized for escort duty with due regard to security considerations.

- 26.183 Separate escort vans for escorting women prisoners - shall be made available.

MATRONS OR WOMEN WARDENS NOT TO ALLOW A MALE TO ENTER WOMAN ENCLOSURE - 26.184 The matrons or women warder shall not allow any mail prison officer, or male prisoner, to enter the women's enclosure without proper authority.
If any male prison officer/warder/prisoner, without proper authority, at anytime enters, or attempts to enter, any ward or portion of the prison reserved for occupation by the Matron/Warder shall make a report forthwith to the Deputy Superintendent/ Superintendent of Prison.
female prisoners, MATRON OR FEMALE HEAD WARDER NOT TO COMMUNICATE WITH MALE PRISONERS 26.185 No matron/female Head warder shall at any time, interview or and on any pretext, hold any communicate / interact in any way, with any male prisoner or visit any part of the prison allotted, reserved for, or occupied by male prisoners, except in the discharge of her duties.
- KEYS OF WOMAN’S ENCLOSURE 26.186 The Matron or the woman warder shall have custody of the keys of the wards and enclosures in which female prisoners are confined during the day.

After the locking up, she shall deliver the keys to the lady Deputy / Assistant Superintendent who shall - in the key chest.

The Lady lock them up Deputy/Assistant Superintendent shall handover the keys again to the matron or female Head warder in the morning at the time of unlocking.
State/UT-wise women capacity of Jails, Population and Occupancy Rate at the end of 2015 Annexure I Sl.

No.
State/UT Available Capacity of Female 1 1 2 3 4 2 ANDHRA PRADESH ARUNACHAL PRADESH ASSAM BIHAR 5 CHHATTISGARH 6 GOA 7 GUJARAT 8 HARYANA 9 HIMACHAL PRADESH 10 11 JAMMU & KASHMIR JHARKHAND 12 KARNATAKA 13 KERALA 14 MADHYA PRADESH 15 MAHARASHTRA 16 MANIPUR 17 MEGHALAYA 18 MIZORAM 19 NAGALAND 20 ODISHA 21 PUNJAB 22 RAJASTHAN 23 SIKKIM 24 TAMIL NADU 25 TELANGANA 26 TRIPURA 27 UTTAR PRADESH 28 UTTARAKHAND 29 WEST BENGAL TOTAL (STATES) 24808 30 A & N ISLANDS 31 CHANDIGARH 32 D & N HAVELI 33 DAMAN & DIU 34 DELHI 35 LAKSHADWEEP 36 PUDUCHERRY TOTAL (UTs) 40 120 10 40 400 0 45 655 TOTAL (ALL-INDIA) 25463 Source: Prison Statistics India 2015 (NCRB) Female Convicts 4 Female Undertrials 5 Female Detenues 6 Female Others Total Female Population Occupancy Rate 8(4+5+6+7) IIIANNEXURE III State/UT-wise number of Female Undertrial Prisoners by the Type of IPC Offences at the end of 2015 Annexure II State/UT Sl.
No.
(1) (2) ANDHRA PRADESH ARUNACHAL PRADESH ASSAM BIHAR CHHATTISGARH GOA GUJARAT HARYANA HIMACHAL PRADESH JAMMU & KASHMIR JHARKHAND KARNATAKA KERALA 14 MADHYA PRADESH 15 MAHARASHTRA 16 MANIPUR 17 MEGHALAYA 18 MIZORAM 19 NAGALAND 20 ODISHA 26 27 28 PUNJAB RAJASTHAN SIKKIM TAMIL NADU TELANGANA TRIPURA UTTAR PRADESH UTTARAKHAND 29 WEST BENGAL 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 TOTAL (STATES) A & N ISLANDS CHANDIGARH D & N HAVELI DAMAN & DIU DELHI LAKSHADWEEP PUDUCHERRY TOTAL (UTs) TOTAL (ALL-INDIA) Murder Attempt To Murder C.H.
not Amoun- ting To Murder Rape Kidnapp- ing & Abduction Dacoity (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) Prep.
and Assembly For Dacoity (9 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 Robbery (10) ANNEXURE IV State/UT Sl.

No.
(1) (2) ANDHRA PRADESH ARUNACHAL PRADESH ASSAM BIHAR CHHATTISGARH GOA GUJARAT HARYANA HIMACHAL PRADESH JAMMU & KASHMIR JHARKHAND KARNATAKA KERALA 14 MADHYA PRADESH 15 MAHARASHTRA 16 MANIPUR 17 MEGHALAYA 18 MIZORAM 26 27 28 NAGALAND ODISHA PUNJAB RAJASTHAN SIKKIM TAMIL NADU TELANGANA TRIPURA UTTAR PRADESH UTTARAKHAND 29 WEST BENGAL TOTAL (STATES) 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 A & N ISLANDS CHANDIGARH D & N HAVELI DAMAN & DIU DELHI LAKSHADWEEP PUDUCHERRY TOTAL (UTs) TOTAL (ALL-INDIA) (Continued) Burglary Thefts Extortion Riots Arson Criminal Breach of Trust Cheating (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (Concluded) Sl.
No.
State/UT Counter- feiting Dowry Deaths (1) (2) ANDHRA PRADESH ARUNACHAL PRADESH ASSAM BIHAR CHHATTISGARH GOA GUJARAT HARYANA HIMACHAL PRADESH JAMMU & KASHMIR JHARKHAND KARNATAKA KERALA 14 MADHYA PRADESH 15 MAHARASHTRA 16 MANIPUR 17 MEGHALAYA 18 MIZORAM 26 27 28 NAGALAND ODISHA PUNJAB RAJASTHAN SIKKIM TAMIL NADU TELANGANA TRIPURA UTTAR PRADESH UTTARAKHAND 29 WEST BENGAL 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 TOTAL (STATES) A & N ISLANDS CHANDIGARH D & N HAVELI DAMAN & DIU DELHI LAKSHADWEEP PUDUCHERRY TOTAL (UTs) TOTAL (ALL-INDIA) (18) (19) Assault on Women with intent to outrage her Modesty (20) Insult to the Modesty of Women (21) Cruelty by Husband or Relatives of Husband (22) Other IPC Crimes Total Under- trials (IPC Crimes) (23) ( Source: Prison Statistics India, 205 (NCRB) State/UT-wise number of Female undertrial Prisoners by Type of Offences under Special and Local Laws at the end of 2015 Annexure III Sl.
No State/UT (1) (2) ANDHRA PRADESH ARUNACHAL PRADESH ASSAM BIHAR CHHATTISGARH GOA GUJARAT HARYANA HIMACHAL PRADESH JAMMU & KASHMIR JHARKHAND KARNATAKA KERALA 14 MADHYA PRADESH 15 MAHARASHTRA 16 MANIPUR 17 MEGHALAYA 18 MIZORAM 19 NAGALAND 20 ODISHA 21 PUNJAB 22 RAJASTHAN 23 24 25 26 SIKKIM TAMIL NADU TELANGANA TRIPURA 27 UTTAR PRADESH 28 UTTARAKHAND 29 WEST BENGAL TOTAL (STATES) 30 A & N ISLANDS 31 CHANDIGARH 32 D & N HAVELI 33 DAMAN & DIU 34 DELHI 35 36 LAKSHADWEEP PUDUCHERRY TOTAL (UTs) TOTAL (ALL-INDIA) Arms Act NDPS Act Gambling Act Excise Act Prohibi- tion Act Explosive & Explosive Substances Act Terrorist & Distruptive Activities Act (TADA) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9 ANNEXURE V (Continued) Immoral Traffic (Prev.)
Act Indian Railways Act Registra- tion of Foreigners Act Protection of Civil Rights Act SC/ST (Prev.
of Attrocities) Act Indian Passport Act Essential Commodi- ties Act (10) (11) (12) (13 (14) (15) (16 Sl.
No State/UT (1) (2) ANDHRA PRADESH ARUNACHAL PRADESH ASSAM BIHAR CHHATTISGARH GOA GUJARAT HARYANA HIMACHAL PRADESH JAMMU & KASHMIR JHARKHAND KARNATAKA KERALA 14 MADHYA PRADESH 15 MAHARASHTRA 16 MANIPUR 17 MEGHALAYA 18 MIZORAM 19 NAGALAND 20 ODISHA 21 PUNJAB 22 RAJASTHAN 23 24 25 26 SIKKIM TAMIL NADU TELANGANA TRIPURA 27 UTTAR PRADESH 28 UTTARAKHAND 29 WEST BENGAL TOTAL (STATES) 30 A & N ISLANDS 31 CHANDIGARH 32 D & N HAVELI 33 DAMAN & DIU 34 DELHI 35 36 LAKSHADWEEP PUDUCHERRY TOTAL (UTs) TOTAL (ALL-INDIA) (Concluded) Antiquities & Art Treasures Act Dowry Prohibi- tion Act Foreign Exchange Regulation Act Prevention of Corrup- tion Act (17) 0 (18) 1 (19) 0 (20) 0 Conser- vation of Foreign Exchange & Prev.
of Smuggling Activities Act (21) 0 Other SLL Crimes Total Undertrials (SLL Crimes) (22) 2 (23) Total Civil Undertrials Sl.
No State/UT (1) (2) ANDHRA PRADESH ARUNACHAL PRADESH ASSAM BIHAR CHHATTISGARH GOA GUJARAT HARYANA HIMACHAL PRADESH JAMMU & KASHMIR JHARKHAND KARNATAKA KERALA 14 MADHYA PRADESH 15 MAHARASHTRA 16 MANIPUR 17 MEGHALAYA 18 MIZORAM 19 NAGALAND 20 ODISHA 21 PUNJAB 22 RAJASTHAN 23 24 25 26 SIKKIM TAMIL NADU TELANGANA TRIPURA 27 UTTAR PRADESH 28 UTTARAKHAND 29 WEST BENGAL TOTAL (STATES) 30 A & N ISLANDS 31 CHANDIGARH 32 D & N HAVELI 33 DAMAN & DIU 34 DELHI 35 36 LAKSHADWEEP PUDUCHERRY TOTAL (UTs) TOTAL (ALL-INDIA) Source : Prison Statistics India, 2015 (NCRB) State/UT-wise number of Female convicts by the Type of IPC Offences at the end of 2015 ANNEXURE VI ANNEXURE IVvi VI ANNEXURE VI Murder Attempt to Murder C.H.
not amount- ing to Murder Rape Kidnapping & Abduction Dacoity Prep.

and Assembly for Dacoity Robbery (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) State/UT Sl.

No.
(1) (2) ANDHRA PRADESH ARUNACHAL PRADESH ASSAM BIHAR CHHATTISGARH GOA GUJARAT HARYANA HIMACHAL PRADESH JAMMU & KASHMIR JHARKHAND KARNATAKA KERALA 14 MADHYA PRADESH 15 MAHARASHTRA 16 MANIPUR 17 MEGHALAYA 18 MIZORAM 19 NAGALAND 20 ODISHA 21 PUNJAB 22 RAJASTHAN 23 24 25 26 SIKKIM TAMIL NADU TELANGANA TRIPURA 27 UTTAR PRADESH 28 UTTARAKHAND 29 WEST BENGAL TOTAL (STATES) 30 A & N ISLANDS 31 CHANDIGARH 32 D & N HAVELI 33 DAMAN & DIU 34 DELHI 35 36 LAKSHADWEEP PUDUCHERRY TOTAL (UTs) (3) TOTAL (ALL-INDIA) 3002 246 198 138 30 13 27 (Continued) Sl.
No.
State/UT Burglary Thefts Extortion Riots Arson (1) (2) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) Criminal Breach of Trust (16) Cheating (17) ANDHRA PRADESH ARUNACHAL PRADESH ASSAM BIHAR CHHATTISGARH GOA GUJARAT HARYANA HIMACHAL PRADESH JAMMU & KASHMIR JHARKHAND KARNATAKA KERALA 14 MADHYA PRADESH 15 MAHARASHTRA 16 MANIPUR 17 MEGHALAYA 18 MIZORAM 19 NAGALAND 20 ODISHA 21 PUNJAB 22 RAJASTHAN 23 24 25 26 SIKKIM TAMIL NADU TELANGANA TRIPURA 27 UTTAR PRADESH 28 UTTARAKHAND 29 WEST BENGAL TOTAL (STATES) 30 A & N ISLANDS 31 CHANDIGARH 32 D & N HAVELI 33 DAMAN & DIU 34 DELHI 35 36 LAKSHADWEEP PUDUCHERRY TOTAL (UTs) TOTAL (ALL-INDIA (Concluded) Sl.
No.
State/UT Counter- feiting Dowry Deaths (1) (2) (18) (19) Assault on Women with Intent to Outrage her Modesty (20) Insult to the Modesty of Women Cruelty by Husband or Relatives of Husband Other IPC Crimes Total Convicts (IPC crimes) (21) (22) (23) (24) ANDHRA PRADESH ARUNACHAL PRADESH ASSAM BIHAR CHHATTISGARH GOA GUJARAT HARYANA HIMACHAL PRADESH JAMMU & KASHMIR JHARKHAND KARNATAKA KERALA 14 MADHYA PRADESH 15 MAHARASHTRA 16 MANIPUR 17 MEGHALAYA 18 MIZORAM 19 NAGALAND 20 ODISHA 21 PUNJAB 22 RAJASTHAN 23 24 25 26 SIKKIM TAMIL NADU TELANGANA TRIPURA 27 UTTAR PRADESH 28 UTTARAKHAND 29 WEST BENGAL TOTAL (STATES) 30 A & N ISLANDS 31 CHANDIGARH 32 D & N HAVELI 33 DAMAN & DIU 34 DELHI 35 36 LAKSHADWEEP PUDUCHERRY TOTAL (UTs) TOTAL (ALL-INDIA) 0 Source : Prison Statistics India, 2015 (NCRB) ANNEXURE VII State/UT-wise number of Female convicts by Type of Offences under Special and Local Laws at the end of 2015 Sl.
No State/UT Arms Act NDPS Act Gambling Act Excise Act Prohi- bition Act Explosive & Explosive Substances Act (1) 1 (2) ANDHRA PRADESH ARUNACHAL PRADESH ASSAM BIHAR CHHATTISGARH GOA GUJARAT HARYANA HIMACHAL PRADESH JAMMU & KASHMIR JHARKHAND 12 KARNATAKA 13 KERALA 14 MADHYA PRADESH 15 MAHARASHTRA 16 MANIPUR 17 MEGHALAYA 18 MIZORAM 19 NAGALAND 20 ODISHA 21 PUNJAB 22 RAJASTHAN 23 SIKKIM 24 25 26 TAMIL NADU TELANGANA TRIPURA 27 UTTAR PRADESH 28 UTTARAKHAND 29 WEST BENGAL TOTAL (STATES) 30 A & N ISLANDS 31 CHANDIGARH 32 D & N HAVELI 33 DAMAN & DIU 34 DELHI 35 LAKSHADWEEP 36 PUDUCHERRY TOTAL (UTs) TOTAL (ALL-INDIA) (3 28 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 (4) (5 (6 (7) (8 Terrorist & Distruptive Activities Act (TADA) (9 (Continued) Immoral Traffic (Prev.)
Act Indian Railways Act Reg.

of Forei- gners Act Protection of Civil Rights Act SC/ST (Prev.
of Atrocities) Act Indian Passport Act Essential Commodi- ties Act (10) (11 (12) (13 (14 (15) (16 Sl.
No State/UT (1) (2) ANDHRA PRADESH ARUNACHAL PRADESH ASSAM BIHAR CHHATTISGARH GOA GUJARAT HARYANA HIMACHAL PRADESH JAMMU & KASHMIR JHARKHAND 12 KARNATAKA 13 KERALA 14 MADHYA PRADESH 15 MAHARASHTRA 16 MANIPUR 17 MEGHALAYA 18 MIZORAM 19 NAGALAND 20 ODISHA 21 PUNJAB 22 RAJASTHAN 23 SIKKIM 24 25 26 TAMIL NADU TELANGANA TRIPURA 27 UTTAR PRADESH 28 UTTARAKHAND 29 WEST BENGAL TOTAL (STATES) 30 A & N ISLANDS 31 CHANDIGARH 32 D & N HAVELI 33 DAMAN & DIU 34 DELHI 35 LAKSHADWEEP 36 PUDUCHERRY TOTAL (UTs) TOTAL (ALL-INDIA) (Concluded) Sl.
No State/UT Antiquities & Art Treasures Act Dowry Prohibi- tion Act Foreign Exchange Regulation Act Prevent- ion of Corrupt- ion Act (1) (2) (17) (18) (19) (20) Conser- vation of Foreign Exchange & Prev.
of Smugg- ling Activities Act (21) Other SLL Crimes Total Convicts (SLL Crimes) Total Civil Convicts (22) (23) ANDHRA PRADESH ARUNACHAL PRADESH ASSAM BIHAR CHHATTISGARH GOA GUJARAT HARYANA HIMACHAL PRADESH JAMMU & KASHMIR JHARKHAND 12 KARNATAKA 13 KERALA 14 MADHYA PRADESH 15 MAHARASHTRA 16 MANIPUR 17 MEGHALAYA 18 MIZORAM 19 NAGALAND 20 ODISHA 21 PUNJAB 22 RAJASTHAN 23 SIKKIM 24 25 26 TAMIL NADU TELANGANA TRIPURA 27 UTTAR PRADESH 28 UTTARAKHAND 29 WEST BENGAL TOTAL (STATES) 30 A & N ISLANDS 31 CHANDIGARH 32 D & N HAVELI 33 DAMAN & DIU 34 DELHI 35 LAKSHADWEEP 36 PUDUCHERRY TOTAL (UTs) TOTAL (ALL-INDIA Source: Prison Statistics India, 2015 (NCRB ANNEXURE VIII