No separate women’s jail in J&K: MHA Report

Srinagar, Feb 04: Jammu and Kashmir does not have a dedicated women’s jail, as per data presented in the Lok Sabha by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Quoting the latest Prison Statistics India 2022 report, the MHA said that J&K is among several states and Union Territories without a separate jail for female inmates.
The administration and management of prisons fall under the jurisdiction of respective states and Union Territories, as per the Constitution. However, the Ministry of Home Affairs issues guidelines from time to time to support efficient prison administration.
The Model Prison Manual 2016, circulated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, includes provisions for women prisoners and their children which states that children up to six years of age can stay with their mothers in prison and recommends facilities such as creches and nursery schools to support their well-being.
An advisory has also been issued to all states and UTs emphasizes access to education, recreational facilities, food, shelter, and medical care for children staying with their mothers in jail, it said.
The MHA also said that the Ministry of Women and Child Development had also prepared a report titled ‘Women in Prisons’, which was shared with all states and Union Territories, including J&K which provides recommendations on housing arrangements and the well-being of women inmates and their children.
While some states have dedicated facilities for female inmates, the data indicates that J&K does not have an exclusive women’s jail as of December 31, 2022, the MHA added in its reply.