Setting up of gaushalas (cow shelters) and use of digital libraries have been appreciated by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs among the best practices followed in jails in some states, prompting the panel to advise its implementation in other states as well.
According to a government official, the Centre had earlier sent a letter to states and Union Territories asking them to adopt such initiatives that contribute to the improvement of the prison system and the development of the prisoners.
Among the initiatives submitted by the states and UTs is Andhra Pradesh’s adoption of digital libraries to inculcate the habit of reading among prisoners. Second on the list are the gaushalas run inside jails in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, where inmates learn dairy farming and cattle-rearing.
In Uttar Pradesh, some jails reportedly have 40-50 cows. The inmates earn remuneration by selling the milk, some of which is also set aside for consumption within the prison.
The Yogi Adityanath government had earlier allocated budget for setting up cow shelters in 12 district jails across the state.
“The Committee notes the initiatives taken by various State/UT Governments to improve the conditions and infrastructure of prisons. The Committee is of the view that the best practices followed in certain States/UTs may be shared among prison administrations of other States/UTs to reap thebenefits of such practices,” the parliamentary panel’s report said.
The panel has also recommended the replication of a new model green jail constructed in Bhubaneswar for 5,000 prisoners with net zero carbon emissions, replacing the existing special jail.
It has also lauded the Telangana State Welfare Society which was formed this year to provide loans to meet the expenditure towards education and marriage of the children of staff and inmates.
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