Lucknow: In a first, Uttar Pradesh’s prison administration has introduced “Convict Warder” system across central jails, appointing selected convicted inmates to assist prison authorities in maintaining discipline, supervision and internal management.Prison officials said the initiative is aimed at strengthening internal prison management while encouraging discipline and reform among long-term inmates.Director general (prisons), PC Meena, has approved the appointment of 125 inmates as convict warders in jails, including 19 at the Naini Central Jail in Prayagraj.Under it, convicts with good conduct records will work alongside jail guards and warders in inmate counting, barrack supervision, maintaining discipline, escort duties and other internal prison responsibilities.The convict warders have been provided with red uniforms along with red caps, belts, batons, torches and nameplates marked “Pakka,” a term used inside prisons for trusted inmates assigned administrative responsibilities.Prison authorities said the move is not new, but a revival and structured implementation of provisions already existing under the jail manual.As per rules, the convict warders will receive several additional facilities and privileges. Earlier, they were entitled only to standard inmate facilities. However, after their promotion, the amount of canteen coupons allotted to them has been raised from Rs 600 to Rs 720. They will also be allowed to cook their own food, receive one additional family meeting, get extra sleeping space, and avail an additional correspondence privilege through letters.DIG (prisons), PN Pandey, said the jail manual clearly defines the appointment, eligibility and duties of convict officers.“The provisions have existed for decades. The new appointments are being made in a more systematic manner to improve prison administration and encourage disciplined behaviour among inmates,” he said.Pandey added that according to the jail manual, there are three grades of convict officers — convict night watchman, convict overseer and convict warder. The total number of such convict officers in a jail cannot exceed 10% of the average daily prison population without special approval from the director general.“Only literate inmates with good conduct records are eligible. Prisoners convicted under serious offences like the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS), escape-related offences, counterfeiting, forgery, offences against the State and certain other categories are barred,” added Pandey.Inmates facing trial in another criminal case are also ineligible.Pandey also said convict warders will have immunity like a govt officer, in case of attack by inmates during discharge of duty under Section 23 of Prisons Act 1894.He added that under the rules, a convict can become a convict warder only after serving as a convict overseer for at least two years and after completing one-fourth of the sentence. The inmate must also demonstrate “proven merit and intelligence” and possess a fixed residence and good antecedents. Habitual offenders are not eligible for promotion to the rank of convict warder.Convict warders are housed separately and receive incentives equivalent to skilled prisoners’ wages. They are also given elementary physical training and may be assigned night duties both inside and outside barracks under supervision.
