SUBJECT :-INSPECTION ON THE VISIT OF OBSERVATION JAIL,

HOSHIARPUR ON 14-6-09.

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On 14-6-09, at about 1.35 P.M., I visited the Observation Jail Hoshiarpur. S.D.M. Hoshiarpur was also present with me. This jail is for seven districts i.e. Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Jallandhar, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur and S.B.S. Nagar (Nawanshahr).

This Observation jail is having capacity of 50 inmates and about 94 inmates are kept there. There is no library. Although T.V. was installed in the Observation Home but it was not working. There was no water cooler in this jail. There is no provision of sitting arrangement and shelter etc. for the visitors who come to meet the inmates. There is no provision in the jail for playing the inmates. Even there was no dustbin in the jail. The inmates have reported that they are not provided legal assistance and they do not know about the proceedings conducted against them. There are some inmates whose parents are also lodged in separate jails but the jail authorities do not make any arrangement for meeting to these inmates with their parents. It has been reported that some times, in the same court case, parents and inmates are called, but they are not allowed to meet with each other. Some of the inmates showed their willingness to study but there is no copy pencil or book for the inmates.

Recommendations:- i. There is sufficient space lying in this Observation Jail near jail. There are rooms but these are not used on the ____. There is no boundary wall around the jail. Boundary wall is required to be constructed. Humanitarian arrangement for the inmates be made so that they can live in the jail like a human being. Some teachers be appointed who may come to the jail regularly and teach the inmate.

ii. Some councilors should visit in the jail so that the inmates can be told how to live, learn etc.

iii. The Government be asked to make profession for the children by providing playing material etc. Proper sitting arrangement etc. be made.

iv. Regular sweeper be provided who should clean both toilet and bath room of the jail. At present, inmates are doing the work of sweeper. The water cooler also be provided in the jail so that in summer, they can drink cold water.

v. Inmates who do not have legal assistance or advocate, they be provided with the legal assistance.

vi. Dustbin in jail be provided so that inmates may use this dustbin for placing the waste etc.

-Sd-

(Avinash Rai Khanna)

Member

June 24, 2009