NHRC conducts a one-day Workshop for <br> Jail Superintendents of West Bengal<br>

A one-day workshop for the sensitization of Superintendents of jails renamed as Correctional Homes of West Bengal was organized by the NHRC in collaboration with the jail department of West Bengal at Kolkata on 5 June 2006. It was attended by Superintendents of 15 out of a total of 18 Correctional Homes of the State.
The inaugural session was presided over by Prof. (Dr.) Amit Sen, Member, West Bengal Human Rights Commission. Shri K.S. Rajendra Kumar, Principal Secretary, Department of Jail, West Bengal, Shri B.D. Sharma, IG of Correctional Services and Shri S.R. Hussain, DIG (S&W) of Correctional Services were present.
In his welcome address, Sri K.S. Rajendra Kumar, Principal Secretary thanked the NHRC for holding the sensitization workshop and highlighted its importance in the context of the prevailing conditions in Correctional Homes in West Bengal. Shri Chaman Lal, Special Rapporteur, NHRC explained the aims and objectives of the workshop which forms an important part of the Commission's obligations to spread Human Rights conscience and consciousness. H touched in brief on the principles laid down by the Supreme Court relating to the Human Rights of prisoners and the special responsibilities of the Correctional Home Staff for their implementation. He urged the participants to treat prisoners in a humane manner consistent with the dignity and worth of their human person.
In his inaugural address Shri R.S. Kalha, Member, NHRC described humane treatment of prisoners as a hallmark of a civilized society. He drew the attention of the participants to the loss in reputation suffered by the USA, following the disclosure about abuse of prisoners at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay. He highlighted the role of the Correctional Home staff in reforming prisoners and helping in their rehabilitation after release. Commending West Bengal for taking lead in every progressive endeavour, Shri Kalha hoped that the Correctional Home Department of the State could show the way to their counter parts in other States in the matter of care and treatment of prisoners also.
Prof. (Dr.) Amit Sen, Member, West Bengal Human Rights Commission delivered the presidential address. He explained the relevance and significance of Human Rights in the administration and management of prisons and highlighted the role of State Government and Human Rights institutions in the protection and furthering of these rights. The inaugural session ended with a vote of thanks by Shri B.D. Sharma, IG, Correctional Services, West Bengal.
The workshop, conducted in two sessions dealt with a number of issues including the need for observance of Human Rights in Prisons, Prison set-up and Prison conditions in West Bengal, Important judgements of Supreme Court of India regarding rights of prisoners and prison conditions and initiatives of NHRC for improving prison conditions.
During the workshop, Shri Chaman Lal, Special Rapporteur explained the concept of Human Rights in the context of Jail Administration emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift from custodial concern to correctional care. He apprised the participants of the specific Human Rights of prisoners and the commonly observed violations, which can and must be prevented.