States want yoga, meditation for jail inmates to prevent suicides in custody | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

States want yoga, meditation for jail inmates to prevent suicides in custody

Hindustan Times | By, New Delhi
Aug 05, 2016 12:11 AM IST

Several states have suggested introducing yoga and meditation for inmates in jails to alleviate their isolation and help them prevent suicides while in custody.

Several states have suggested introducing yoga and meditation for inmates in jails to alleviate their isolation and help them prevent suicides while in custody.

The states favouring spiritual exercise to reduce stress among the prisoners are Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar, Haryana, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and Jharkhand.(Representative photo/ Shutterstock)
The states favouring spiritual exercise to reduce stress among the prisoners are Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar, Haryana, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and Jharkhand.(Representative photo/ Shutterstock)

The suggestions are part of the states’ proposal to usher reforms in country’s 1,387 prisons given to the Centre. It is in response to the Supreme Court’s directions inviting states’ recommendations on how to curb the rising number unnatural deaths in jails. The top court is hearing a public interest petition that highlights the deplorable living conditions in the prisons.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Regular spiritual exercise will help prisoners overcome their depression and on their release be of an assistance to integrate with the mainstream. Seven of the 22 states have made the recommendation to “calm the prisoners’ minds” and make them better citizens.

Advocate Gaurav Agrawal, who is assisting the court in the case, told HT that if the SC accepts the recommendation, it will become mandatory for all the states to incorporate yoga and meditation in their jail manuals.

The states favouring spiritual exercise to reduce stress among the prisoners are Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar, Haryana, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and Jharkhand.

National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) figures point to a spike in unnatural deaths in jails - in 2012 there were 126 incidents, in 2013 there were 115 and in 2014 there were 195. The number of natural deaths reported in jails in 2012 was 1,345, in 2013 1,482 and 2014 1507.

Almost all states have called for the appointment of a panel of permanent psychiatrists to counsel the inmates on daily basis. Agrawal said at present jails get assistance from non-government organizations (NGOs) on this front. “But, states say interaction with counselors should be regular,” he said.

There is a need to augment medical facilities for the inmates inside the jails. States want to end the practice of having a doctor on deputation to monitor the health of prisoners. They suggest there should be a panel of doctors who should be part of the jail cadre.

Experience the old-world charm of Delhi through a heritage walk with HT! Participate now.

Get Current Updates on India News along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Bhadra is a legal correspondent and reports Supreme Court proceedings, besides writing on legal issues. A law graduate, Bhadra has extensively covered trial of high-profile criminal cases. She has had a short stint as a crime reporter too.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Sunday, March 10, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On