Delhi Home Minister Kailash Gahlot conducts comprehensive inspection at Tihar Jail; emphasises prison reforms, inmate welfare

New Delhi [India], August 31 (ANI): Delhi Home Minister Kailash Gahlot on Saturday conducted a comprehensive visit to Tihar Jail, reinforcing the government’s commitment to prison reforms, inmate welfare, and staff development.

The visit highlighted the government’s dedication to improving the living conditions of inmates, enhancing staff welfare, and ensuring the overall betterment of the correctional facilities under the Government of National Capital Territory (GNCT) of Delhi, the Office of the Home Department, Government of NCT of Delhi release stated.

The minister was accompanied by Home Secretary Chanchal Yadav, Director General of Prisons Satish Golcha, Additional Inspector General Ajay Kumar Bisht, Deputy Inspector General (HQ and Tihar Range) Rajeev Singh and other senior officers of the Prison Department during the visit.

In a statement following his visit, Kailash Gahlot remarked, “I visited Tihar Jail, the largest prison complex in Asia, as part of the Delhi Government’s ongoing efforts to improve prison conditions. During my visit, I inspected the basic facilities being provided to the prisoners and issued some corrective directions. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi Government is committed to prison reform. Our visit to Tihar Jail is yet another step towards improving prison conditions and ensuring that inmates are given the necessary resources to reform themselves. We believe that every individual has the potential to reform, and it is our responsibility to provide them with the necessary resources to do so. I am confident that with the collective efforts of our government, prison authorities, and citizens, we can create a more just and equitable society.”

Kailash Gahlot reiterated the Kejriwal Government’s commitment to implement positive interventions in the lives of inmates. This includes skill development, health initiatives, and programmes focused on psychological support, education, and social reintegration of inmates. The overarching goal is to transform the central jails of Delhi from punitive institutions into a rehabilitative and reformative environment.

The minister expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far and assured that the Government will continue to prioritise the welfare of both inmates and staff in all future initiatives.

During his visit to Central Jail No. 6 (Women), Kailash Gahlot reviewed the vocational training being imparted by the “Chal Charkha Unit,” Stitching and Jewellery Unit.

He praised the NGO managing the Charkha Unit for providing valuable vocational training to the inmates, which will make them self-reliant after their release from jail.

He also appreciated the training being imparted in the Stitching and Block Printing Unit run with the help of Pearl Academy.

The minister also visited the creche being managed with the help of the India Vision Foundation (IVF) and appreciated the facilities provided to the kids there.

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).

In Central Jail No 3, the minister visited the “Gaushala” and observed its activities. He also inspected the “Langar,” where food is prepared for inmates, and appreciated the quality and cleanliness of the facility.

The Minister stressed the need to expand the capacity as well as the facilities of the hospital in the Tihar jail complex.

He also provided his input towards the overall improvement of the general infrastructure of prisons.

During the visit, Kailash Gahlot also reviewed several key initiatives and reforms currently being implemented at Delhi Prisons and directed for further enhancement/improvement.

To promote sustainability and convenience, the minister desired to introduce an electric vehicle (EV) facility at the Tihar Jail for visitors. It is informed that nearly 4000 visitors visit the Delhi Prisons complex daily for mulakat (meeting) with the inmates, the release stated.

This initiative aligns with Delhi’s broader agenda of promoting green transportation and reducing carbon footprints across all sectors.

Kailash Gahlot also reviewed the operational conditions of the various factories functioning within the Delhi Prisons at Tihar.

He emphasised the importance of enhancing the productivity and operational capacity of the prison factories, which play a crucial role in inmate rehabilitation.

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. This step would pave the way for better production management, capacity enhancement, and more effective marketing of the products made in the prison factories.

This initiative aims not only to improve the working conditions and output of these factories but also to provide inmates with better vocational training and skill development opportunities. The minister assured the full support of the Government of Delhi in facilitating this transformation.

Emphasising the importance of rehabilitation, Kailash Gahlot desired for expansion of intensive skill development programmes. These programmes are designed to equip inmates with vocational skills, making them better prepared for reintegration into society by providing meaningful post-release opportunities.

Additionally, the Prison Department briefed the minister that Delhi Prisons is reinforcing its focus on the theme of ‘Correctional Philosophy’ by emphasising education and skill development programmes for inmates.

In line with this initiative, the department is collaborating with Max Healthcare Facilities, Primero Skills, the Ministry of Tourism, the Government of India; Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Young FICCI Ladies Organisation, and Art of Living to provide vocational training and further enhance rehabilitation programmes at Delhi Prisons. Several other organisations are also contributing to skill development initiatives across various jails.

Kailash Gahlot also directed to assess employability and entrepreneurship potential to identify inmate’s skills and interests to tailor training programmes effectively; introduce skill training courses and implement courses that align with the assessed potential and market demand.

The minister also highlighted the need to develop a methodology and model for establishing a sustainable training model and evaluate the existing programs, and conduct a detailed study of current skill training programmes within the jail to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement; a corporatisation strategy for developing a roadmap for corporatising the product-making process to formalise sales and improve outlet operations; and to assess the status of former inmates who were released a year ago to understand the long-term impact of training.

The minister was briefed regarding the overcrowding being faced by Delhi Prisons. To address the issue of overcrowding at Delhi prisons, Kailash Gahlot desired to expedite the proposal for the construction of Narela jail and to expedite the acquisition of land for Baprola jail.

As for the need to improve healthcare services in the jail premises, the minister desired to introduce more comprehensive health programmes. These initiatives will focus on both physical and mental health, ensuring inmates have access to quality medical care in jails.

Kailash Gahlot stressed the importance of improving inmate health conditions for their overall well-being and rehabilitation. A comprehensive mental health programme will be launched in all the prisons of Delhi, he added.

Acknowledging the hard work and dedication of jail staff, Kailash Gahlot desired to enhance promotional opportunities for the employees posted in the jails. This initiative aims to boost morale, encourage professional development, and retain talent within correctional services.

The minister’s visit also focused on the ongoing efforts to improve the living conditions of the inmates.

Kailash Gahlot inspected various jail facilities and directed the authorities to ensure all the inmates are provided with clean, safe, and humane living environments, including better sanitation, adequate ventilation and access to basic amenities.

To comply with the directions of the minister to keep the complex neat and clean, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will be directed to remove the garbage from various parts of Delhi Prisons. The Public Works Department will also be directed to repair the toilet clock in the prison.