Jails should be turned into correctional institutions: Omar
Jan 14, 2010

Jammu Stressing the need for turning prisons into effective correctional institutions, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said more emphasis should be on reformation rather than the custodial aspect.

Chairing a high-level meeting to discuss various issues pertaining to the Prisons Department in Jammu on Wednesday, the Chief Minister said persons convicted for different crimes, after completing their jail term, should rejoin society as transformed citizens.

Imparting moral and vocational education to jail inmates should be part of prison management, he said, adding that emphasis should be on reformation rather than custodial aspect.

Abdullah said government would provide every help in making jails more conducive to inmates to get reformed and learn different skills during their stay.

Explaining the reformative and rehabilitation measures taken by the Prison Department, Director General Prisons Ashok Bhan said steps were taken to make every prisoner literate and enable him to acquire skills during his stay in the jails.

He said special centres of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) have been established in various jails for the purpose.

Bhan said vocational training in works like tailoring, candle making, plumbing and carpentry is being imparted to the prisoners during their stay in jails.