Prison reforms aimed at ending caste-based discrimination introduced in Himachal Pradesh
Shimla, 22 February – In a historic step to bring equality and justice in the state’s jails, Himachal Pradesh has amended its Jail Manual and prohibited all kinds of caste based discrimination and segregation in the prisons. The latest measures were approved by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu and the minister said they are hoped to reform the jails and correctional homes in the state.
The government has made a significant revamp of the Himachal Pradesh Jail Manual, 2021 to no paving place for caste-based discrimination in the prison sector, said a government spokesperson in a recent announcement. These reforms are a strong indication of the state government’s commitment towards equality, justice and non-discrimination of inmates, irrespective of caste, community or religion.
Notable Changes in the Jail Manual
The changes, included in the revision of the manual, named Himachal Pradesh Jail Manual Second Amendment, 2025, are wide-reaching and aim to make state jails a more inclusive and just environment. The spokesperson also stressed that one of the most important additions is that caste-based segregation and allocation of work in jails has been barred. This will prevent any kind of discrimination among jail inmates based on their caste during jail time.
Para 5.66: No prisoner will be classified, segregated or discriminated in any manner on the basis of caste in the new provision. Under its-Ekichoda, all the jails of the state will be run by the principle of equality wherein each and every inmate will be treated with decency and dignity irrespective of his or her caste or background.
Para 5.67: Manual also ensures that work duties within the Prison would not be assigned on the basis of Caste. Caste association with work such as sanitation in jails, carried out in India previously, will also no longer persist under the new system, Sharma said.
Para 5.68: No prisoner will now be allowed to perform manual scavenging or clean a tank. Previously, the prison context, the prisoners (those belonging to backward castes) were forced to do demeaning and hazardous jobs such as cleaning of sewers or septic tanks. The new manual made clear that these tasks would no longer be assigned to inmates of any security level — a huge step toward making prisons safer and more humane for everyone.
Jail Records Now without Caste and Religious Markers
One of the major changes in the jail manual is the scrapping of caste, community and religious identifiers from the jail records. Earlier, the rules mandated that prisoners have to be categorized according their caste and religion, which often led to brinforcing divisions and discriminatory practices within the prison system. Here are the new rules that are now in effect:
From now on, the caste, community or religious affiliation of any prisoner will not be recorded in the official prison documents.
The provision in the Register of Non-Convicted Prisoners and Register of Convicted Prisoners that contained such discriminatory informations has been completely removed.
“This step is a big step to eliminate the practice of caste-based distinction & bring reform towards progressive & equitable environment in jails. Henceforth, prisoners will be classified only as per individual, as they come under the provisions of law, and not on caste or community basis.
Priority is Given to Equal Treatment of All Inmates
The state government reiterated its commitment to an equitable and just environment in jails in Himachal Pradesh. With such major changes, the government is looking to guarantee that prisoners are given the dignity and respect that each person deserves. And this is not only a less discriminatory and a more inclusive approach, it resonates well with the larger paradigm of human rights protection in the prison system.
And the spokesperson added that the government knew how important it is to “maintain” equality in every detail of the running of a jail and “prevent discrimination in work tasks and everyday life”. Ensuring that jail records and classifications are free of bias is part of a broader push to reform the entire system of incarceration so it is more fair, transparent and humane.
Tackling Habitual Offenders
Besides reforms around caste discrimination, a clearer definition of habitual offenders has also been included in the revised Jail Manual. Under the new provision:
If a person has been convicted of or sentenced to imprisonment for more than one offence during a period of five consecutive years he is a habitual offender, provided that there has been no reversal of the conviction in an appeal or revision.
It assists jail authorities in appropriately classifying and managing individuals who engage in repetitive criminal behavior and thus can be treated accordingly within the system.
An Important Step Forward in the Fight for Prison Reform
This would help eliminate caste-based discrimination and is part of Himachal Pradesh’s broader vision to make its correctional institutions a model of fairness and equity. The long-held belief of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has been that every citizen of the state, irrespective of his social status, should be treated equally before the law. The state is pioneering progressive measures for humane inclusiveness in the correctional system through the revolutionary prison system.
The newly amended Jail Manual is a progressive step apparent in the social fabric of Himachal Pradesh, where caste-based discrimination has also emerged as a serious problem since the start of society. To use the state’s own prison system to tackle this problem also sends a strong message for other states across the country to follow along.
Toward Reform and Justice
The state government taking a clear stance against caste-based discrimination and expressing a commitment to ensure equal treatment of prisoners is a crucial step towards addressing caste-based inequality, which has remained a significant challenge for India as a country. These changes are not merely legal measures, but rather they also symbolize the society’s evolving perspectives on social justice. The ruling will lead to more reform in the country’s prison system so that inmates are treated fairly, with dignity and respect, irrespective of their caste, community, or religious background.
Through these salient changes, Himachal Pradesh will emerge at the forefront of prison system reform, instilling the values of equality, justice, and human rights in its correctional facilities.
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