Bhubaneswar, April 7: In order to instill democratic values within the prisons and to protect prisoners’ rights, the Odisha government has recently formulated Jail Panchayats in almost all jails.
Elections were held in as any as 87 jails across Odisha and oath-taking ceremonies of the elected members were also conducted in them.
The newly-elected representatives of ‘Jail Panchayats’ will work for the protection of human rights along with the safety of inmates of Jails and correctional hostels. The panchayat elections took place within the boundaries of jails in Odisha, that elected Sarpanch and various other representatives, to present the issues and problems faced by the inmates.
The Jail Panchayat will also help the jail authorties in informing illegal works inside the boundaries.
The Jail Panchayats will also advocate for adhering to the discipline laid down by the jail and correctional hostel authorities.
The elected representatives will serve as intermediaries between the government and the inmates to addressing grievances and issues with the jailors and superintendents.
