Prison Manual Overhaul: Ending Caste Discrimination

The Union Home Ministry has revised prison manual rules to eliminate caste-based discrimination among inmates following a Supreme Court order. Amendments to the 'Model Prison Manual, 2016' and 'Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023' ensure no discrimination in duties or work assignments based on caste.

The Union Home Ministry has introduced significant amendments to the prison manual rules to eradicate discrimination against inmates based on caste distinctions, addressing a pressing issue highlighted by the Supreme Court.

In a comprehensive directive sent to all chief secretaries across states and Union territories, the ministry emphasized the importance of amending the 'Model Prison Manual, 2016' and the 'Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023' to abolish any form of caste-based discrimination or classification of prisoners.

The ministry also underlined that the existing law on manual scavenging should strictly apply within prisons, explicitly prohibiting hazardous cleaning tasks as a form of labor for inmates. This proactive move aligns with recent apex court directions regarding habitual offenders and aims to foster a discrimination-free environment in correctional institutions.

(With inputs from agencies.)