Bisheshwar Mishra / New Delhi
Union Home Ministry has said comprehensive ‘Model Prisons Act, 2023’ has been finalized under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and guidance of Home Minister Amit Shah. The government had earlier decided to review and revise the colonial-era outdated Prison Act in tune with contemporary modern-day needs and correctional ideology. The Model Prison Act, 2023 may serve as a guiding document for the States, and for adoption in their jurisdiction.
Home Ministry had assigned the task of revision of the Prisons Act, 1894 to the Bureau of Police Research and Development. The Bureau prepared a draft after holding wide-ranging discussions with State Prison authorities, correctional experts, and others. It has been prepared with the objective of holistically providing guidance and addressing the gaps in the existing Prisons Act.
Some salient features of the new Model Prisons Act include provision for security assessment and segregation of prisoners, and individual sentence planning. Grievance redressal, prison development board, attitudinal change towards prisoners, provision of separate accommodation for women prisoners, and transgender are some of the other features. There is also a provision for use of technology in prison administration with a view to bring transparency in prison administration. The new Act will focus on vocational training and skill development of prisoners and their reintegration into the society.