'Prisons'/'persons detained therein' is a “State-List” subject under Entry 4 of List II of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. Administration and management of prisons and prisoners is the responsibility of respective State Governments who are competent to take appropriate action in this regard. However, given the significance of prisons in the Criminal Justice System, the Ministry of Home Affairs has been providing regular guidance and support to the States and UTs on diverse issues relating to prison administration.
Advisory on the Guidelines for allowing visit inside jails by individuals/ NGOs/ Company/Press for the purposes of undertaking research, making documentary or interviewing the inmates, etc.
AWARD OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICE MEDAL FOR GALLANTRY AND DISTINGUISHED/MERITORIOUS SERVICES. The All India Committee on Jail Reforms (1980-83) had recommended that Government of India should institute medals for rewarding prison personnel and the State Governments/UT Administrations should suitably recognize special services rendered by the prison personnel. The aforesaid recommendations were further supported by a Group of Officers headed by Shri R.K. Kapoor (1986). The Group of Officers was constituted to examine and review various aspects of administration and management of prisons, especially in the context of security and discipline in prisons and suggest measures for their improvement. Based on these recommendations, the following medals have been instituted for award to the prison personnel every year on the occasions of the Republic Day and Independence Day:p
Gallantry Medal
President’s Correctional Service Medal for Gallantry (PCSMG)
Correctional Service Medal for Gallantry (CSMG)
Service Medal
President’s Correctional service Medal for Distinguished Service (PCSMDS)
Correctional Service Medal for Meritorious Service (CSMMS)
A maximum of 25 President’s Correctional Service Medal for Distinguished Service and 75 Correctional Service Medal for Meritorious Service can be awarded in a year. There is no limit to the number of medals that can be awarded for gallantry in a year.
The President’s Correctional Service Medal for Distinguished Service/gallantry and the Correctional Service Medal for Meritorious Service/gallantry are awarded:
for a specially distinguished record in correctional service.
for success in organizing correctional service or maintaining the administration in special difficulties like mass admission of prisoners.
For outstanding ability in putting out riots, preventing escape of prisoners, rescuing the officials, sportsmanship, public work and exemplary service marked by efficiency, devotion to duty, integrity, loyalty, high sense of discipline and spirit of sacrifice.
The President’s Correctional Service Medal for Gallantry and the Correctional service Medal for Gallantry are awarded for conspicuous/exceptional gallantry in apprehending a prisoner or in preventing their escape, the risk incurred being estimated with regard to the obligations and the duties of the officer concerned and for the outstanding work done in the preceding year.
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President's Notification regarding Statute and Rules relating to Correctional Service Medals.