42% prisoners in Punjab jails are drug addicts, says official

The meeting also underscored the vital need to establish drug de-addiction centers within the prison systems, considering the prevalence of substance abuse among inmates

‘42% prisoners drug addicts’

ADGP Arun Pal shed light on the significant challenges posed by addiction among convicts, citing recent studies that revealed 42% of prisoners are addicts.

The Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) on Wednesday held a meeting with prominent stakeholders and experts to deliberate on challenges within the prison systems of Punjab and Chandigarh.

PSHRC chairperson Justice Sant Parkash chaired the meeting with key officials, including PSHRC special DGP Prabodh Kumar, prisons ADGP Arun Pal Singh, prisons addl IG-cum-superintendent jail of Chandigarh Dr Palika Arora, and 25 jail superintendents of Punjab.

ADGP Arun Pal shed light on the significant challenges posed by addiction among convicts, citing recent studies that revealed 42% of prisoners are addicts.

In his address, Justice Sant Parkash emphasised the necessity of adhering to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) guidelines to safeguard the well-being of prisoners. The chairperson highlighted the significant lapses in compliance, leading to instances of tuberculosis-related fatalities within the prison facilities.

Emphasising the imperative need for thorough health assessments during admission, he underlined the importance of implementing robust measures to prevent suicides and ensure transparency in cases of custodial deaths or police actions.

The meeting also underscored the vital need to establish drug de-addiction centers within the prison systems, considering the prevalence of substance abuse among inmates.

The officials emphasised the fundamental right to healthcare for every individual, including those under custodial care.