NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION 4.134 In response to the Commission’s directions, the Dy. Secretary, Home Department, Government of J&K had submitted that the Municipal Committee, Katra had taken the burden of the welfare of these workers since 2013, and satisfactorily looked into the problems of these labourers. It was reported that due to the orders passed by the Hon’ble High Court of J&K, the activities of the Municipal Committee was stayed and the matter was now sub-judice. According to the report, consequent upon this order, the said labourers had to take care of themselves. But subsequently, Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board was in the process of taking over the management of the track of Mata Vaishno Devi and in course of the same, they were likely to look into the welfare of these labourers. 4.135 Pursuant to the further directions of the Commission, it was intimated that several welfare steps have been taken for the benefits of the poor Ponywala, Palkiwala and Pithhus. These deprived classes of labourers were registered, issued identity cards, got compulsory insured with coverage of Rupees Two Lakhs. Besides, individual Jandhan accounts were opened in favour of these labourers engaged at the Shrine. The provision for their medical check-up and other such facilities for their family members were duly addressed to. Apart from that they were enlisted for other central welfare schemes such as Atal Pension Yojana and Prime Minister’s Jeewan Jyoti Bima Yojana. In case of glander diseases of their animals, the Government provided cash compensation of ` 25,000/- for its replacement. Besides, the report contained several other valuable measures which were specifically taken for the skill development of the concerned labourers, improvement in the design of their traditional palki, provisions for supply of subsidized food and other social security measures by the Government for the welfare of the said labourers. 4.136 The Commission carefully considered the contents of the report and took note of the measures taken by the Government of J&K for the welfare of the aforesaid poor labourers. A copy of the same was transmitted to the complainant for his information and comments, if any. In response to the same, the complainant furnished his detailed comments and raised very important and pertinent issues which required to be examined by the State authorities of J&K. A copy of the same has been transmitted to the Chief Secretary, Government of J&K for his examination and necessary action. 4.137 The matter is under consideration of the Commission. D Conditions in Prisons Visit to Jails As per the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, one of the functions of the Commission is to visit jails and other correctional institutions, under the control of the State Governments where persons are detained or lodged for purposes of treatment, reformation or protection, so as to assess the living conditions prevalent therein and make recommendations thereon to the Government (s/c-12(c) of the Act). Annual Report 2017-2018 69