J&K amends prison manual to safeguards rights of disabled inmates

Srinagar, Jul 30: In a significant development, J&K’s Home Department has amended the Union Territory’s Prison Manual- 2022 to safeguard the rights of prisoners with disabilities.
In a notification, 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.
The amendments provide 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 the amendments, 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)