The recent inspection of Colvale Central Jail by the Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) panel has brought out the pitiable state of affairs of the correctional facility. The 10-member team that visited the premises found that the decade-old structure was in a dilapidated condition needing urgent repairs, the sewage system malfunctioning, the privacy of inmates compromised with toilets without doors, absence of a female medical officer to attend to lady inmates, inadequate drinking water, mosquito infestation besides other issues.
This is unacceptable in a State that prides itself in protecting human rights and the dignity of women and makes a mockery of a correctional facility which was launched with great pride in May 2015 by the then chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar. The state-of-the-art correctional facility made operational by the rules and manuals held the objective of reform and rehabilitation of offenders with top-notch facilities like video conferring, CCTV surveillance and complete power backup. Electrical fencing and mobile jammers were to be taken up after the 2015 inaugural.
The GHRC team’s findings are horrific and expose the sorry state of affairs at the jail, and it is only getting worse. The issue is not only about negligence but also about a systemic failure to address problems.
The current state of Colvale Central Jail is symptomatic of a larger crisis within the Indian correctional system—a place where overcrowding, insufficient medical care, inadequate sanitation, and undertrained staff are common highlights. The Colvale situation is reflective of such well-documented shortcomings in the prisons across the country. The lack of basic facilities and violation of human rights and privacy would act counter-productive to rehabilitative programmes and create an environment that is conducive to recidivism rather than reform. The penal system is meant to serve justice, protect society, course-correct individuals and facilitate rehabilitation. Failing to provide basic needs negates these objectives.
Colvale Central jail holds notoriety for various other reasons too. From trespass, drug smuggling, cellphone usage, partying, violence and sexual misconduct, the jail has seen it all over the past nine years. Drugs have been frequently and easily available inside that even jail guards have been arrested for possession of drugs in the past. Alcohol and parties have been a matter of routine with inmates even burning an effigy of Narkarsur. In June last year, six jail inmates moved court against officials for harassment. Prisoners in the past have complained of being hit by lathis. In October last, two groups clashed inside the premises leaving four persons injured. Male officials have been accused of visiting the female block without the presence of a matron. The list goes on. The question is, why is there no serious move to clean up the mess
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant disclosed on the Floor of the House in the monsoon Assembly session that raids have been consistently conducted at the premises and cellphones seized. He had assured enhanced CCTV surveillance and installation of signal jammers. However, piecemeal changes would not help in a situation, and history shows it hasn’t. Cellphones and drugs cannot make their presence on the premises without the active connivance of authorities, and parties cannot be organised in jails without the knowledge of officials.
The Colvale jail is in a dilapidated state, structurally and also systemically. The GHRC’s findings should act as a wake-up call. The government must apply its mind and work out a complete revamp. There’s a need to urgently fix infrastructure, improve services, provide mental health support and instil discipline. Under the current scenario, individuals cannot come out as better versions of themselves, rather, there is every possibility they could end up as bigger goons and criminals.
