KATHMANDU, JULY 24

The House of Representatives (HoR) passed the 'prison management bill, 2076' on Sunday. The bill was initially tabled to the HoR members on December 15, 2019.

The bill has ensured the reproductive right to the inmates, which is considered a progressive provision. The HoR members dubbed it a sweeping reform in the law relating to prison management.

With this, the lawmakers also demanded the intensification of the formulation of regulations for the enforcement of the bill. Legitimate couple- inmate spouse-will be permitted to stay together.

Similarly, arrangement will be made to cater education to the inmates. It is the responsibility of the prison administrator to make necessary arrangement on education.

The schemes of basic education, secondary education, open education and distance learning would be determined based on the need. Moreover, moral education, and yog will be introduced to change inmates' behaviour and instill positive thoughts.

Other salient features in the act are that any inmate willing to marry the person outside the prison will be allowed for registration of marriage; minors can stay with mothers; the pregnant inmates can give a birth to child outside of the prison; and the inmates above 65 years, or living with disabilities, and suffering from mental illness and other incurable diseases will be provided special care in terms of food and health.

If any inmate wants to flee to avoid jail term, he/she will face additional imprisonment and fine.