Home Department mandates equal treatment, accessible infrastructure, specialised healthcare
Srinagar: In a significant move, J&K’s Home Department has amended the Union Territory’s Prison Manual- 2022 to address the needs of prisoners with disabilities.
In a notification, a copy of which is in possession of news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), J&K administration has amended the Prison Manual to improve the treatment and care of prisoners with disabilities.
These amendments have been incorporated in the prison manual after J&K LG directed UT’s Home department to do so.
According to the notification, prisoners with disabilities should not be discriminated on the grounds of disability and are entitled to equality, dignity, and respect.
“No prisoner shall be discriminated on grounds of disability. All prisoners with disability shall be entitled to equality, dignity and respect for their integrity on an equal basis with others,” reads the notification.
It also provides that all prison infrastructure should be made accessible to prisoners with disabilities, in accordance with the Accessibility Standards and Guidelines notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
“Prisoners with disabilities should be provided with appropriate healthcare services, including psychiatric and psychological services, as well as access to rehabilitation programs and therapies,” it states.
As per amendments in the Prison Manual, all incoming prisoners shall be screened for disabilities at the time of admission.
“Relevant prison records should reflect their specific needs to ensure suitable accommodations and assistance,” the notification adds.
It further states that prison staff should undergo regular training to sensitize them to the needs of prisoners with disabilities and to handle them appropriately—(KNO)
