Amendment status not verified — confirm the current text below against the official source.
(1) Every prison shall have one or more prisoners' panchayats. The panchayats should consist of carefully selected prisoners, who are of good conduct and who have the talent and ability to organize events and activities. The panchayats shall plan and execute daily recreational programs for prisoners. This shall give the prisoners a sense of participation in the prison management which is an important component of any policy of welfare and reformation. Prisoners’ panchayats may also serve as a forum for the prisoners to express their grievances and seek redress. (2) For constitution of the Panchayat informal elections involving only minimal and inevitable activity may be held under strict supervision of the senior prison officers. Prisoners who have been rewarded for their good conduct or achievements in educational endeavors may be declared eligible to stake claim as candidates. In the interest of discipline, the membership of electoral college shall be restricted to only those prisoners who have not been penalized in the last two years for any prison offence. The selection process and tenure of panchayats shall be decided by the Director General from time to time. (3) The working of the panchayats shall be monitored by the prison administration. The Superintendent, as far as possible, shall personally participate in the panchayat meetings. (4) A 'Mahapanchyat' of all the panchayats shall be held in the presence of the Superintendent at least once in a quarter for the redressal of prisoners' grievances and implementation of their suggestions. Celebration of National days and festivals.