The Union government has finalized a new ‘Model Prisons Act, 2023’ to reform the management of jails and promote the skill development of inmates. The new Act replaces the outdated ‘Prisons Act, of 1894’ which did not address the rehabilitation and reform of incarcerated individuals.
The new Act aims to ensure the transformation of prisoners into law-abiding citizens and their successful reintegration into society. It includes provisions for the use of technology in prison management, granting parole, furlough, and remission to encourage good conduct, special provisions for women and transgender inmates, and focusing on the physical and mental well-being of prisoners.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, under the guidance of Home Minister Amit Shah, hopes the new Act will serve as a guiding document for states to adopt in their jurisdictions.
“To holistically provide guidance and address the gaps in the existing Prisons Act, including the use of technology in prison management, making provisions for grant of parole, furlough, remission to prisoners to encourage good conduct, special provision for women/ transgender inmates, physical and mental well-being of prisoners and focus on the reformation and rehabilitation of inmates, etc.