Workshop for Sensitization of Jail Superintendents of Maharashtra
A one-day workshop for the sensitization of Jail superintendents of Maharashtra Prisons on the 'Human Rights of Prisoners' was organized jointly by the Commission and the Inspectorate of Prisons, Maharashtra at Yeravda, Pune on 28 July 2003. Besides the I.G. (Prisons), Maharashtra Shri B.T. Nghinglova, 37 officers of Prison Department, Maharashtra including 4 DIGs (Prisons), one Research Officer, One Law Officer, two Psychiatrists, Principal, Jail Officers Training Centre, Yeravda, 20 Superintendents (Prisons), one Deputy Superintendent and 9 jailers also participated in the Workshop.
Inaugurating the Workshop, Justice Smt. Sujata V. Manohar, Member, NHRC emphasized the need for observance of human rights of prisoners by recalling the provisions of the International covenants and the Constitution of India, which require humane treatment of persons in detention. She referred to the problems of overcrowding, poor state of sanitation and lack of medical care observed in jails all over the country. She stressed the role of the civil society and media in improving living conditions in jails and the human rights situation of prisoners.
Shri Chaman Lal, Special Rapporteur explained the role of the Commission in promoting and protecting the human rights of prisoners and the aims and objectives of the one-day workshops being held in various States for sensitizing the jail officials.