New Delhi, September 2
Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot inspected the Tihar Jail and announced several steps as part of prison reform measures.
Gahlot has proposed measures such as an electric vehicle facility for visitors at Tihar Jail and tailor-made skill training courses for inmates to tap their skills.
During his visit to Central Jail No. 6 (Women), Gahlot reviewed the vocational training being imparted by 'Chal Charkha Unit' and 'Stitching and Jewellery Unit'.
The Charkha Unit provides vocational training to the inmates, which makes them self-reliant after their release from jail. The training is also being imparted in the 'Stitching and Block Printing Unit' run with the help of a private academy.
Gahlot reviewed the operational conditions of the various factories functioning within the Delhi Prisons at Tihar. Recognising the potential of these units to contribute more effectively to the economic rehabilitation of inmates, the minister proposed that these factories should be registered under the Society Registration Act.
To promote sustainability and convenience, the minister directed officials to introduce an EV facility at the Tihar Jail for visitors. It is informed that nearly 4,000 visitors visit the Delhi Prisons complex daily to meet with the inmates.
He also proposed expansion of intensive skill development programmes to equip inmates with vocational skills, making them better prepared for reintegration into society by providing meaningful post-release opportunities.
He also visited the creche being managed with the help of India Vision Foundation (IVF). He also inspected the medical facilities being provided to the incarcerated women inmates and expressed his desire to take up the issue of digitisation of medical records with the National Informatics Centre (NIC).
The minister stressed the need to expand the capacity as well as the facilities of the hospital in the Tihar Jail complex.
To address the issue of overcrowding at Delhi prisons, Gahlot urged authorities to expedite the proposal for construction of Narela jail and to expedite the acquisition of land for Baprola jail.
