Context:
As a part of implementing Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023, Centre asks States to use tracking devices on prison inmates released on parole.
Features of Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023:
- Aim – To holistically address all relevant issues relating to prison administration.
- Replaces Prisons Act (1894) and assimilates relevant provisions of Prisoners Act (1900) and Transfer of Prisoners Act (1950).
- High Security Prison: Independent self-sufficient prison with strengthened security systems and independent Court complex, etc. for gangsters, hardened criminals, etc.
- Directorate of Prisons and Correctional Services: For implementing prison policies and coordinating various prisons and correctional services.
- Classification of prisoners: Broad categories of prisoners include Civil; Criminal; Convicted; Undertrial; Detenues; Habitual Offenders; Recidivists.
- Segregate accommodation: For various categories of prisoners and for attending to special needs of women/ transgender, etc.
- Staff welfare wing: To be established by Head of Prisons and Correctional Services to aid Government for welfare measures for prison staff.
- Use of Technology: Computerize the entire prison administration and integrate the database with the Interoperable Criminal Justice System.
- Use of electronic tracking devices: For prisoners who are granted leave.
- Jammu and Kashmir police recently introduced GPS tracker anklet for monitoring a terror accused out on bail.
- Prisoners’ Health Care: All prisoners will have access to adequate, gender-responsive health care facilities.
Points to remember:
- Prison governance is a ‘State’ matter in the Constitution.
- Despite being a ‘State’ subject, the Ministry of Home Affairs guides prisons.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: In India, prisons are managed by State Governments with their own rules and regulations for the day-to-day administration of prisons.
Statement-II: In India, prisons are governed by the Prisons Act, 1894 which expressly kept the subject of prisons in the control of Provincial Governments.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Answer: (a)
