CIVIL LIBERTIES 4.56 The Chairperson visited Central Jail, Arthur Road, Mumbai on 12 June 2001. He made a number of observations regarding overcrowding, health-care and the problems of women prisoners. He pointed out the need for greater involvement of NGOs in the education and rehabilitation of prisoners. His observations, with suggestions for improvement, were sent to the Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra on 31 July 2001. 4.57 Shri S.V.M. Tlipathi, Special Representative of the Commission for Uttar Pradesh visited District Jail, Jhansi on 23 August 2001 and Central Prison, Naini on 10 November 2001. Shri A.B. Hipathy, Special Representative of the Commission for Orissa, visited District Jail, Balasore (25 July 2001), Special Jail, Baudh (16 August, 2001), Sub-Jail, Naupada (26 December 2001), Sub-Jail, Padampur (26 December 2001), Sub-Jail, Raikhol (13 January 2002) and Sub-Jail, Rourkela (19 February 2002). Both the Special Representatives have, in their reports, made useful observations regarding living conditions and medical facilities in the jails, and also in respect of the staff situation prevailing in them. A disturbing increase in cases of depression among the prison inmates was observed in reports on visits to jails in Orissa. The reports were duly considered by the Commission and appropriate recommendations were made to the State Governments for taking remedial action. 4.58 Shri Chaman Lai, Special Rapporteur of the Commission and Chief Coordinator, Custodial Justice Cell, carried out detailed inspections of Central Jail, Ranchi (22 - 23 July 2001), Sakshi Jail, Jamshedpur (26 - 27 September 2001), Central Jail, Raipur (30 August 2001), District Jail, Shillong (10 January 2002), District Jail, Guwahati (12 January 2002), Central Jail, Satna (4 - 5 March 2002) and District Jail, Meerut (18 March 2002). In addition to commenting on the living conditions, the state of sanitation and hygiene, medical facilities and the like, the Special Rapporteur identified specific problems being faced by undertrials which required to be taken up by District Magistrates in the meetings of the Monitoring Committee of the concerned district. He also identified, in consultation with the jail doctor, the patients who required surgical/specialised treatment from the district/referral hospitals. The incidence and nature of the death of prison inmates was another important matter which was examined in detail in these inspections. Recommendations were thereafter made by the Commission to the competent State Governments to take precise action in respect of the matters that had been commented upon. The responses received during the period covered by this report have been encouraging. ANNUAL REPORT 2001-2002 j 41