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CIVIL LIBERTIES
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4) Analysis of Prison Population as of 30 June 2003
4.68 As of 30th June, 2003, the total prison population in the country was 3,23,232 which
indicated an overcrowding of 37.38% over the authorized capacity of 2,35,255. which was
substantially higher than the figure of 31.19% as of 30 June 2002.
4.69 The overcrowding exceeded the All India average of 37.38% in 11 States/Union
Territories, namely, Delhi, Jharkhand, Haryana, Chhatisgarh, Gujarat, Tripura, Bihar,
MP, Orissa, Sikkim and UP. Delhi continued to hold the dubious distinction of having
the most overcrowded jail (220%) followed by Jharkhand (156%) and Haryana (113%). Jails
had idle capacity in 12 States/UTs, namely, Lakshdweep, Manipur, J&K, Nagaland,
Chandigarh, Dadar and Nagar Haveli, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Daman & Diu, Mizoram,
Pondicherry and Kerala. The utilization of authorized capacity is less than 50% in jails
in Lakshdweep (12.50%), Manipur (37.50%) and J&K (44.13%).
4.70 Under-trial prisoners constituted 72.78% of the total prison population in the
country which shows a marginal drop of 1.28% from the figure of 74.06% as of 30 June
2002. Eight States/UTs had under-trial prisoners numbering more than 80% of the total
prison population. These were: Dadar & Nagar Haveli (100%), Meghalaya (95.17%), Manipur
(91.43%), J&K (90.99%), Bihar (86.11%), UP (85.07%), Delhi (81.13%) and West Bengal
(80.72%). Chhatisgarh, Sikkim and Andaman and Nicobar had less than 50% under-trial
prisoners. Among the major States, MP (56.99%), Rajasthan (55.89%) and Himachal Pradesh
(53.40%) are seen to be making efforts to reduce the proportion of under-trials in jails.
4.71 Women constituted 3.77% of the total prison population. Mizoram (9.78%) had the
highest percentage followed by Tamil Nadu (8.58%), Manipur (6.90%), Uttranchal (6.76%),
Pondicherry (5.76%), Andhra Pradesh (5.54%), Punjab (5.40%) and West Bengal (5.12%).
Union Territories of Dadar and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu and Lakshdweep were
holding no female prisoners.
4.72 A total of 1579 children up to the age of 5/6 years were staying with their mothers
in jails. UP was holding the highest number (330) followed by West Bengal (207), Bihar
(201), Maharashtra (125) and Jharkhand (94). Jails in 11 States/UTs namely Kerala, Goa,
Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Andaman & Nicobar, Dadar and Nagar Haveli,
Daman and Diu, Lakshdweep and Pondicherry were not holding any children.
5) Sensitization of Jail Staff
4.73 The sensitization programme for Jail Supdts., Jailers and officers of Correctional
Services which was started in 2000-01 continued during the period of report. One day
Workshops were held at Ranchi, Jharkhand (5th July 2003), Pune, Maharashtra (28 September
2003), Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (13 September 2003), Patna, Bihar (10th January
2004) and Chandigarh, (19 March 2004). These workshops were conducted by Shri Chaman
Lal, Chief Coordinator of the Custodial Justice Cell with the help of the DG/IG (Prisons)
ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04