Human rights body recommends measures, seeks action taken report in 60 days
PANAJI
A recent inspection by the Goa Human Rights Commission panel in Colvale Central Jail has exposed the pitiable state of the decade-old structure with an urgent need for repair and improvement to meet basic human rights standards.
A 10-member team led by Acting Chairperson (retd Judge) Desmond D’Costa found the jail buildings are in a dilapidated state, have inadequate toilets that compromise inmates’ privacy and a malfunctioning sewage system.
During their interaction with the inmates, the panel also found that there is no female medical officer with only a few nursing staff for the healthcare for female inmates.
The undertrials told the inspection team about being denied personal clothing upon arrival, and foreign inmates claimed they faced delays in visa processing.
The visit report, shared with the media, also revealed insufficient drinking water, mosquito infestations and a lack of functional medical facilities within the premises among other problems. Ironically, the prison authorities had recently claimed the availability of filtered drinking water to the inmates and to set up mobile jammers to prevent the smuggling of these devices.
“The women spoke on several problems faced by them and the grievances were noted by the Jail officials for appropriate action,” it said. The Commission, based on its observations, made the recommendations for resolving the problems of the inmates while seeking action taken report from the Inspector General of Prisons within 60 days.
