The Gazetteers Department

The district prison at Dhulia is classified as Class-I prison mainly for confinement of adolescent offenders from Bombay and Poona revenue divisions and local undertrial prisoners.

Organisation.

The inspector-general of prisons exercises, subject to the orders; of the State government, general control and superintendence over all prisons and jails in the State, He is assisted by the deputy inspector-general of prisons, superintendent of jail industries and other necessary staff.

The district prison at Dhulia is in charge of a superintendent who is vested with executive management of the prison in all matters relating to internal economy, discipline, labour, punishment, etc. subject to the orders and authority of the regional deputy inspector general of prisons, western region and inspector-general of prisons. The superintendent, Dhulia district prison is assisted in his work by the executive, ministerial and technical staff. Prisoners promoted to the rank of convict overseers and night watchmen are utilised for prison services.

Training.

The superintendents of prisons and jailors receive theoretical as well as practical training in jail officers' training school at Yeravda on a scientific basis in all fields of correctional work. A separate training class of three months' duration for non-commissioned officer has been started at the jail officers' training school to impart the practical knowledge of the duties which are expected of a jail guard.

A physical training instructor visits the jails in the State in rotation and imparts training in drill, games and other physical activities both to the inmates of the jail and also to the jail guards.

Guarding Establishment.

Part of the guarding establishment is armed. This section serve as a reserve guard to reinforce the unarmed guards in the immediate charge of prisoners inside the prison in extramural gangs in the event of assault, mutiny, escape or other emergency. It is also available to mount guard over particularly dangerous prisoners or prisoners sentenced to death who are termed as "condemned prisoners ".

Prisoners are classified as Class-I or Class-II by the court. They are further classified as casuals, habituals, under trials, etc.

Work is arranged according to prisoner's health. On admission, a prisoner is examined by the medical officer, who classifies him as fit for light, medium or hard labour. Suitable work is assigned to prisoners after taking into account their health conditions, aptitude, etc.

Prisoners are engaged in prison maintenance services, prison farms and industries. Land measuring 6.880 hectares (17 acres) was under cultivation in 1965. 72 prisoners used to work daily at the prison. The prisoners are engaged in weaving, tailoring, carpentry and smithy. The number of prisoners engaged in these factories was 207 in 1965.

Wages.

The prisoners who are engaged in various prison occupations are paid wages as per the rules.

Remission of Sentence.

Prisoners are granted ordinary remission, annual good conduct remission, State remission, blood donation remission, remission for conservancy work and remission for physical training as per the rules.

Release on Parole and Furlough.

A prisoner may be released on parole in case of serious illness or death of any member of his family or his nearest relation or for any other sufficient cause. The period spent on parole does not count as part of sentence. If any prisoner is found to violate parole rules, he is liable to be punished. Prisoners with a sentence of one year and above are entitled to being released on furlough for a period of two weeks which is counted as a part of the sentence.

Advisory Board.

The cases of long-term prisoners are initially reviewed by an advisory board. Deserving prisoners are released prematurally under the orders of government by remitting the unexpired portion of their sentences.

Board of Visitors.

A board of visitors comprising official and non-official visitors is appointed for the prison as per the rules.

Two moral lecturers have been appointed to give moral lectures to the prisoners on Sundays and jail holidays.

Literacy classes are conducted for prisoners. School books are provided to prisoners at government cost. Prisoners who desire to prosecute higher studies are also extended necessary facilities.

Recreational and Cultural Activities.

Documentary and full length films are exhibited to prisoners ordinarily once a month by the publicity department. Newspapers are supplied to prisoners at government cost as per the scale laid down under rules. A library has been organised for the benefit of prisoners. Cultural, musical and Kalapathak programmes are also organised for the prisoners. Facilities for playing various games have been provided for the prisoners.

With a view to train the inmates to live in a co-operative, democratic and disciplined manner and to inculcate a sense of responsibility and self-reliance among them, a panchayat of convicted prisoners has been organised at the Dhulia district prison.

Panchayat Welfare of Prisoners.

Matters pertaining to the welfare of prisoners are attended to by the prison officers as per the rules. A canteen is also conducted for their benefit.

Emphasis is always laid on the maintenance of good discipline in the prison. Positive and constructive discipline is treated as the basic foundation for wholesome changes in the attitude of the prisoners.

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