KATHMANDU, AUGUST 13

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has acknowledged that several prisons in the country are overcrowded, as many inmates and detainees prefer to remain in facilities located in their home districts and are often unwilling to be transferred elsewhere.

Speaking at a meeting of the Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee of the House of Representatives (HoR) today, the Home Minister said the government is committed to transforming prisons into true correctional facilities. 'Plans are underway to establish hospitals, factories, schools, playgrounds, and other necessary infrastructure within prison premises,' he stated.

Referring to the incident that occurred on the night of August 7 at Dhangadhi Prison, Lekhak noted that, despite the provisions of the Prisons Act-2079 BS for separate chambers for detainees and inmates with special gender or sexual identities, mental health issues, and those convicted of severe or heinous crimes, such arrangements have not yet been fully implemented.

Updating the committee on the incident, he said the injured were taken to hospital immediately. Of the three referred to Kathmandu, two are undergoing treatment at the Trauma Centre and one at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH), Maharajgunj. The body of the deceased has already been handed over to the family after completion of legal procedures.

He further informed that the remaining 45 injured have been discharged from Seti Provincial Hospital and transferred to other prisons where they face no security threats. Additionally, 17 individuals identified as 'leaders' of the conflicting groups have been relocated.

The Home Minister reiterated the government's commitment to improving the rights of inmates and detainees by ensuring access to health insurance and other essential services.

Addressing queries about the detention of former Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, Lekhak said preparations are underway for his transfer. He assured the committee that Lamichhane has not been denied any facilities; despite the congested prison conditions, he has been provided with a separate room. 'As far as I am informed, the prison management regularly meets him to address his concerns. However, this does not mean he is receiving special treatment,' he clarified.

The Minister also admitted that budgetary constraints have hindered faster progress in prison reforms. He shared that more than 7,000 inmates are currently engaged in productive work, and highlighted ongoing efforts to provide quality health services, psychological counseling, and to expand the concept of open prisons. In the past year alone, over 2,075 inmates were released on parole.

Furthermore, he pledged that legal action will be taken against those found guilty in connection with the Kailali prison incident once the investigation committee's report is made public. He firmly stressed that the entry of weapons into prisons is unacceptable.