...... 36 CIVIL LIBERTIES especially in the sub-jails. Medical facilities are found inadequate, especially at the subjails. Problems of women prisoners requiring special attention in accordance with the recommendations of Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer Committee Report have not received much attention. Work facilities for the convicts, an essential component of reform and rehabilitation programme are inadequate with the result that a very small proportion of prisoners is being employed in the jail industries. It is also noticed that the existing infrastructure and facilities built in the past for this purpose are not being utilized to their full capacity. Involvement of the NGO sector which alone can ensure proper integration of the prisoners with society after their release is almost totally missing in Himachal Pradesh. Housing facilities for the staff also need improvement. The report of the Chief Coordinator, CJC was sent to the State Govt. on 17.12.2003 with appropriate recommendations. 4.61 Rajasthan was another State taken up by the Chief Coordinator, CJ Cell for study of jail conditions in the period of report. He visited Central Jail, Jaipur, Open Air Jail, Sanganer, District Jail, Tonk and Sub-Jail Malpura from 16-18 Feb. 2004. He also had a detailed discussion with the Addl. DG Prisons, Rajasthan and his senior colleagues on jail infrastructure and the various aspects of management and administration of jails in Rajasthan. His report gives a broad assessment of the strength and weaknesses of the jail management and administration in Rajasthan. Rajasthan is one of the few States which have idle capacity in jails and overcrowding, the defining feature of prison situation in most States is not being experienced here. However, because of uneven distribution of jail population, which cannot be helped, jails at Bharatpur, Jaipur and Kota are moderately overcrowded. A rationalization of the existing infrastructure in accordance with actual needs at various places has been recommended. The situation of undertrial prisoners is found to be better in Rajasthan with under trial prisoners constituting roughly 55% of the total prison population. Abolition of the archaic system of classification of prisoners on the basis of their socio-economic status and habits of life is another positive feature of Rajasthan jail management. Involvement of NGOs in education, recreation and welfare activities of the prisoners is another commendable aspect. Rajasthan offers an inspiring example of the utility and usefulness of the open jail system. As many as 9 open-air jails are functioning in Rajasthan serving as Half-way Homes in the process of transformation of prisoners’ lives and their return to community. Parole rules are liberal although their actual operation is found to be unduly strict based entirely on police recommendations which calls for a thorough examination. It is commendable that pre-mature release of lifers is being governed by strictly adhering to the provisions of Section 433A Cr.PC and guidelines have been issued even for the exercise of the Constitutional powers under Article 161 of the Constitution. While facilities of accommodation, sanitation and hygiene and food are adequate, the health cover is found to be very poor even at the level of district jails. The arrangement of part time doctors adopted in as many as 22 district jails and all the sub-jails at an honorarium of Rs. 100 per month is not at all a satisfactory arrangement. Moreover, vacancies of 5 posts out NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION