Centre Advises States To Improve Facilities For Elderly Prisoners

In its recent advisory, the Union home ministry noted that many prison facilities house elderly individuals who often require extra assistance to manage daily activities in a custodial environment.

Addressed to the Chief Secretaries of all States and UTs and to the Directors General and Inspector Generals of Prisons and Correctional Services, the ministry asked authorities to provide accessible accommodations for elderly prisoners, taking their physical limitations into account.

“Special attention should also be given to the dietary requirements of elderly inmates, with meal plans tailored to the challenges of advanced age,” the advisory stated.

Reiterating the Central government’s commitment to protecting and caring for its senior citizens, the home ministry further advised that adequate healthcare, including mental health services, be made available within prisons to address the unique needs of elderly inmates. Prison staff should be sensitised and briefed on these requirements.
The advisory concludes by requesting that states and UTs take appropriate measures to implement these recommendations for the welfare of elderly prisoners.