As part of ongoing efforts for systemic reform, Himachal Pradesh has taken a significant step toward eliminating caste-based discrimination in its prisons. A government spokesperson announced today that, under the direction of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the State Government has amended the Himachal Pradesh Prison Manual 2021. These changes aim to ensure equal treatment and abolish caste-based segregation of work among prisoners.
A new provision has been added to the Manual that explicitly prohibits caste-based discrimination in prisons and correctional facilities. Paragraph 5.66 of the revised manual ensures that prisoners will not be discriminated against, classified, or segregated based on caste. In addition, paragraph 5.67 mandates that no prisoner shall be assigned work or duties based on their caste. Furthermore, paragraph 5.68 establishes that prisoners will no longer be assigned to manual scavenging, sewer maintenance, or septic tank cleaning. Previously, the Jail Manual allowed for the employment of paid sweepers in the absence of female prisoners for cleaning duties. This clause, previously found under paragraph 214, has now been completely removed.
The spokesperson also highlighted that caste, community, and religious information will no longer be recorded in prison inmate records. The provisions that previously required such data—under clause 5 of register number one (un-convicted prisoners) and point two of register number two (convicted prisoners) in paragraph 33/06—have now been deleted.
These changes have been formalized through the Himachal Pradesh Prison Manual Second Amendment, 2025.
Additionally, the amended manual now includes a clear definition of habitual offenders. A person will be classified as such if they have been convicted or sentenced to imprisonment more than twice for offenses committed on different occasions within a five-year period, provided the convictions have not been overturned on appeal.
The spokesperson affirmed that the state government remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting dignity, equality, and justice, ensuring fair and non-discriminatory operations within the state’s prison system.
