J&K amends prison manual to ensure rights of prisoners with disabilities

SRINAGAR — The Jammu and Kashmir Home Department has announced a significant amendment to the Prison Manual, 2022, introducing a new clause to ensure the rights and facilities for prisoners with disabilities.

According to the notification issued by the department, quoted by the news agency KNC, the amendment has been made under the powers conferred by Section 59 of the Prisons Act, 1894, with the approval of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir.

The newly added clause, 17.46, under the chapter “Welfare of Prisoners,” outlines provisions for non-discrimination, accessibility, healthcare, rehabilitation, screening, and staff training for prisoners with disabilities.

It mandates that no prisoner shall face discrimination on the grounds of disability and that prison infrastructure, including cells, toilets, medical units, and educational centres, must comply with Accessibility Standards and Guidelines notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Further, the notification states that appropriate healthcare, including psychiatric and psychological services, along with rehabilitation programs, shall be provided to prisoners with disabilities. It also directs the screening of all incoming prisoners to identify disabilities and ensure necessary accommodations.

Additionally, prison staff will undergo regular training to sensitize them to the rights and needs of prisoners with disabilities.