Strong grievance redressal system for Tihar inmates in place: DG

New Delhi, Jan 31 (UNI) To break past from last year's dent to its image caused due to numerous deaths within its premises, the Tihar Jail here has initiated various steps to address the grievances of its inmates.

Regular steps for redressal of grievances of the inmates here has preverted occurrence of riots within the premises in 2007, DG (Prisons) B K Gupta told mediapersons at the annual press brief.

Besides, the regular complaint box meant for the Sessions judge, two additional boxes have been set up where prisoners could post their grievances. ''One box is for letters meant for the Director General and another for the Jail Superintendent.'' An additional box has been kept by the National Human Rights Commission where anyone from the jail could drop his complaint, he said.

''We have now involved various agencies to keep a tab on their welfare, which has led to no riots being reported last year.'' Admitting that several 'blade attack' cases had been reported, Mr Gupta said, ''despite our best efforts some people manage to stealthily take in various objects which was a cause of concern.'' However, we are doing our very best to see that this does not happen, he told mediapersons.

''For this plans are afoot to install cell phone jammers at sensitive wards.'' Also, segregations of prisoners have been done to separate those who violate the jail norms and indulge in attacking others, besides separating ordinary criminals from the hardened ones.

''Separate escorting process has also been taken up.'' Along with this, in order to prevent any abuse or misuse of LPG cylinders, piped natural gas system was being introduced in Tihar Jail.

''This would also help in the safety of inmates, he added.

UNI AN MSJ RN1822