...... CIVIL LIBERTIES 35 operational on the Indo-Bangladesh border where such persons could be lodged transit after their release from prison. The team also recommended holding of jail adalats, constitution of the Board of Visitors and the State Advisory Board under the West Bengal Correctional Services Act, 1992. The team commended the involvement of NGOs in promoting education, vocational training and AIDS awareness among the prisoners. The team commented on an overwhelming number of undertrial prisoners (81.56%) in the District Correctional Home, Howrah and extremely slow progress of their trials (15 specific cases have been cited – 10 at the Presidency and 5 at the Howrah Correctional Home). Active involvement of the NGOs in the welfare of prisoners has been cited as a notable feature of prison administration in West Bengal. The report has been sent to the State Govt. on 27 January 2004. 4.59 The Chief Coordinator, CJC visited the Women’s Jail, Tihar on 25.11.03. Despite overcrowding of the order of 50%, the living conditions in terms of accommodation, sanitation, food, health services were found satisfactory. Regular holding of jail adalats, a functional board of visitors, an efficient system of vocational training and gainful employment of prisoners, and enthusiastic involvement of NGOs have been brought out as notable features of the prison management. However, the plight of the undertrial prisoners was found to be pathetic and 23 specific complaints were heard. After consideration of the report of the Chief Coordinator, these cases were forwarded to Delhi High Court for necessary action through a letter addressed by the Chairperson to the Chief Justice. The report of the Chief Coordinator was considered by the Commission and forwarded to the Govt. of NCT on 23 January 2004 with appropriate recommendations. 4.60 The Chief Coordinator, Custodial Justice Cell reviewed the living conditions in prisons in Himachal Pradesh from the view point of human rights of prisoners by visiting Model Central Jail, Kanda (Shimla), Sub-Jail, Shimla, Open Jail, Bilaspur and sub-Jail, Bilaspur from 21 to 24 September, 2003. He also had a detailed discussion with the Addl. DG (Prisons), Himachal Pradesh on various aspects of the organisation, management and administration of jails in Himachal Pradesh. Jail population in Himachal Pradesh which is only 3% in excess of the authorized capacity is manageable in comparison with other States. Efforts are being made to bring down the proportion of the undertrials which constitute less than 60% of the total prison population against the figure of 75% for the country as a whole. Production rate of undertrials before courts is also cent per cent. Sanitary conditions (toilet to prison ration 1:6) at Kandla, Shimla and Bilaspur are commendably good. Parole is granted liberally and most of the convicts are keeping contact with their families. Powers of pre-mature release are being exercised with due thought and caution. However, a negative aspect of the jail administration in Himachal Pradesh is the continuation of the anachronistic system of classification of prisoners on the basis of their social and economic status and habits of life. Strength of available jail staff is inadequate at most places. Actual availability of the guarding staff is much below the actual requirement ANNUAL REPORT 2003-04