4 Lakh Young Offenders in Prisons; UP and Bihar on top, Check the State wise List

Crime should never be a barrier to education. No individual can be deprived of the right to education. If criminals in prison are given learning and job skills, their lives could be reformed into a better, crime-free future. Education plays a pivotal role in transforming them into responsible citizens and enable them to know the value of lives and society. So, it is crucial to make concerted efforts to extend learning opportunities to everyone within the prison system, fostering a path of personal growth and societal reintegration.

In India, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) compiles prison statistics, shedding light on the situation of undertrial prisoners across states and union territories. The latest available data from the year 2022 reveals that approximately 4 lakh young offenders find themselves within the walls of correctional facilities.

State-wise List of Young Offenders- Uttar Pradesh on top

What is Model Prison Manual 2016

According to the Model Prison Manual of 2016, a "Young Offender" is defined as an individual aged between 18 and 21 years. The manual emphasises the need to segregate young offenders from adult and habitual offenders whenever possible.

Furthermore, the manual outlines specific guidelines for the treatment of young offenders. Minor violators, for instance, are not to be held in police custody. Instead, they are encouraged to reside with their families, guardians, or approved voluntary agencies under the condition that they will cooperate with law enforcement when required.

Recognizing the importance of education, the manual stresses that the educational needs of young offenders must be adequately addressed. To this end, collaboration with 'open schools' is recommended to develop educational programs tailored to the unique requirements of young offenders.

Skill Training to inmates

In a positive and progressive move, young offenders in Indian prisons are now being offered skill training programs. These initiatives aim to equip them with the tools necessary to embark on a new and constructive path. The training spans a diverse array of vocations, including but not limited to fashion design, field technology, sales, video editing, hairstyling, and yoga instruction.

The comprehensive list of vocational training opportunities encompasses sectors such as banking, computer hardware and software, data entry, English proficiency, tourism guidance, gym instruction, inventory management, mobile phone repair, optical fiber technology, video editing, hotel management, accounting, customer care, BPO services, and beauty therapy.

This transformative approach seeks to empower young offenders, turning their time in prison into an opportunity for personal growth, skill development, and ultimately, successful reintegration into society. The initiative not only addresses the immediate needs of these individuals but also contributes to breaking the cycle of recidivism, fostering a more rehabilitative and inclusive criminal justice system.