The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recommended on Tuesday that all states and Union Territories (UTs) take special precautions in prisons and correctional facilities to safeguard the security, health, and care of elderly inmates. Prisons across the country house a number of vulnerable individuals, including elderly inmates, who often require additional assistance with their daily tasks while incarcerated due to age-related difficulties, according to the MHA's July 1 advisory.
The advisory which was issues was formally received by the Chief Secretaries of each state and UT, as well as the Directors General and Inspectors General of Prisons and Correctional Services. The MHA underlined the importance of enhancing prison accessibility for senior inmates and reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of senior citizens.
“The states and UTs are requested to make suitable provisions for special accessible accommodation in prisons and correctional institutions for the elderly prisoners, keeping in view their physical limitations,” the advisory stated.
In addition to improved accommodation, the MHA emphasised the importance of meeting the nutritional and healthcare needs of elderly prisoners. The advisory called on prison authorities to create meal plans tailored to the needs of elderly inmates, keeping in mind their unique nutritional requirements and age-related health issues.
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It also underscored the urgent need to strengthen healthcare facilities within prisons—especially mental health services—so that older inmates receive the care and dignity they deserve in their later years. It recommended sensitisation and training of prison staff to help them better understand and respond to the physical and emotional needs of older prisoners.
"Special attention may also be given to the dietary requirement of such elderly inmates, with meal plans curated in accordance with the challenges of advanced age. It may also be ensured that adequate healthcare facilities — including mental health services — are made available in prisons to address the special needs of elderly inmates," the advisory noted. The MHA concluded by directing states and UTs to take prompt and appropriate measures to implement these recommendations, with the goal of significantly improving the custodial conditions and quality of life for senior citizens lodged in prisons.
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