According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2022 report, India had a total of 554,034 prisoners, with Uttar Pradesh recording the highest number (116,459), followed by Bihar (64,909) and Maharashtra (48,157). Overcrowding remains a critical issue, leading to poor living conditions, lack of proper medical care, and increased violence among inmates. The issue of understaffing in prisons further aggravates the problem, as there are fewer officers to monitor inmates, provide rehabilitation programs, and maintain security.
Prisons in India also face a high number of undertrial prisoners—individuals who have not yet been convicted but are awaiting trial. As per NCRB data, more than 70% of inmates in Indian prisons are undertrials, many of whom remain behind bars due to delays in the judicial process and their inability to afford bail. This not only violates their fundamental rights but also exacerbates the overcrowding crisis in jails.
The parliamentary panel’s report, recently tabled in Parliament, urges all states and Union Territories to adopt the 2016 Model Prison Manual without further delay. It emphasizes that a unified prison system will enhance efficiency, reduce corruption, and ensure equal treatment for inmates across different states. Some states have already amended their prison laws in accordance with the 2016 guidelines, but a nationwide standard is still missing.
Prison reforms in India face resistance from various quarters, primarily due to bureaucratic delays, legal complexities, and a reluctance to shift from outdated punitive models to more rehabilitative approaches. Many states cite financial constraints and policy challenges as reasons for delaying the implementation of the Model Prison Manual. Since prison administration falls under the State List in the Constitution, states exercise autonomy over prison laws, leading to inconsistent policies across the country. Moreover, the reluctance to allocate additional funds for prison infrastructure and staff training further slows down reforms. Officials in several states remain hesitant to embrace a progressive framework that prioritizes rehabilitation over mere containment of inmates.
Overcrowded prisons, inadequate healthcare, and limited rehabilitation programs create a hostile environment for inmates, increasing their chances of reoffending after release. Lack of mental health services is another major concern, as a significant percentage of prisoners suffer from stress, depression, and other psychological issues. In many cases, prisoners do not receive adequate legal aid, which prolongs their detention.
Women prisoners face additional challenges, including lack of proper hygiene facilities, inadequate medical care, and absence of gender-sensitive rehabilitation programs. Moreover, children of incarcerated mothers often suffer from neglect and lack of access to education.
To address these concerns, the Parliamentary Panel has recommended that the Ministry of Home Affairs work closely with state governments to ensure clarity and eliminate legal roadblocks. Adequate funding should be allocated to help states transition to the new system without financial strain. A strict monitoring mechanism must be implemented to ensure compliance with the Model Prison Manual across all states and Union Territories. The use of technology, such as electronic case management systems, should be encouraged to expedite legal proceedings for undertrial prisoners. Additionally, prison authorities should undergo human rights training to ensure reforms are carried out effectively. More focus should be placed on vocational training and rehabilitation programs to help inmates develop skills and reintegrate into society.
Prison reforms are not just about security but also about justice, rehabilitation, and reintegration. A standardized and humane prison system is crucial for ensuring that inmates are treated with dignity and given an opportunity to reintegrate into society. The faster all states adopt the manual, the sooner India can have a fair, transparent, and effective correctional system.
What’s Your Take?
Do you think uniform prison reforms can bring positive changes to India’s criminal justice system? Should the central government take stricter action against states that fail to implement reforms? Share your views in the comments!