Patna: Marking International Human Rights Day and the 16th Foundation Day of the Bihar Human Rights Commission, a state-wide legal awareness programme focusing on the human rights of prisoners was organised across all jails in Bihar on Tuesday. The initiative, held jointly by the Bihar Human Rights Commission and the Bihar State Legal Services Authority, aimed to educate prisoners about their legal and human rights.
The programme, conducted from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm in all jails of the state, was held under the directives of the Inspector General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Bihar. Officials from the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), along with panel advocates, engaged directly with inmates, providing critical information on their rights and responsibilities.
Legal Outreach to Nearly 50,000 Inmates
Over 47,763 male prisoners and 1,895 female prisoners—nearly 50,000 in total—participated in the programme, making it a landmark effort in legal outreach. Topics included fundamental rights, legal aid services, and the significance of upholding dignity and justice within the prison system.
A Day of Awareness and Compassion
To mark the occasion, special meals were arranged for inmates across the state’s prisons, featuring dishes such as puri, halwa, and chola, symbolising the spirit of care and compassion that underscored the event.
The initiative was executed under the guidance of senior legal and judicial authorities, including Bihar Chief Justice and Chief Patron of the Bihar State Legal Services Authority, K. Vinod Chandran; Justice Ashutosh Kumar, Co-Chairman of the Legal Services Authority; and Justice Ananta Manohar Badar, Chairman of the Bihar Human Rights Commission.
Inspector General of Prisons, Pranav Kumar, played a pivotal role in coordinating the event, supported by Jail Superintendents across the state. Key contributions also came from senior officials such as Shilpi Soniraj, Member Secretary of the Bihar State Legal Services Authority; Gayatri Kumari, Joint Secretary; and several members of the Bihar Human Rights Commission.
Collaborative Success
The programme exemplified a collaborative effort involving multiple departments, including the Home Department (Prisons), Bihar State Legal Services Authority, and the Bihar Human Rights Commission. Officials and advocates worked collectively to ensure the event’s success, reaching one of the state’s most vulnerable populations.
A Step Toward Justice for All
The initiative aligns with the global principles of justice and human rights, reinforcing Bihar’s commitment to promoting legal awareness and empowering its incarcerated population. By bridging gaps in knowledge and access to justice, the programme aims to uphold the rights and dignity of prisoners, fostering a more humane and just correctional system.
