MHA To States: Improve Prison Conditions For Aged Inmates

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) New Delhi – The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all states and Union Territories to ensure special care, safety, and dignity for elderly prisoners by creating age-friendly facilities inside jails and correctional institutions.

In an advisory issued on July 1, the MHA noted that many jails house vulnerable inmates, including senior citizens who require additional support to carry out everyday tasks in custody. The advisory was addressed to Chief Secretaries, Directors General, and Inspectors General of Prisons across the country.

Highlighting the need for inclusive custodial environments, the ministry asked states to provide“specially accessible accommodations” for elderly inmates keeping their physical limitations in mind.

The advisory also called for curated meal plans to suit the dietary and medical needs of older prisoners. It emphasized the availability of adequate healthcare facilities, including mental health services, and recommended that jail staff be sensitized and trained to handle the specific needs of senior inmates with care.

“Special attention must be given to their dietary requirements and healthcare access,” the advisory stated, urging swift implementation of the recommendations to improve the quality of life for elderly inmates behind bars.

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