What is the recommendation of the Parliamentary panel to reduce overcrowding in prisons

The Parliamentary panel has recommended several measures to reduce overcrowding in prisons. Here are their proposed solutions:

• Introducing penal reforms to decriminalize minor offenses and promote alternative forms of punishment for non-violent crimes.
• Expediting the process of disposal of cases by increasing the number of judges, improving infrastructure, and implementing technological advancements.
• Promoting the use of bail and parole systems for eligible prisoners, allowing them to be released temporarily under certain conditions.
• Encouraging the adoption of community-based sentencing programs that focus on rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders rather than imprisonment.
• Implementing measures to address the issue of undertrials by providing legal aid and expediting their trials to ensure timely justice.
• Enhancing the capacity of prisons by constructing new facilities, improving existing infrastructure, and providing necessary resources and staff.
• Focusing on socio-economic interventions and skill development programs to prevent re-offending and prepare prisoners for their reintegration into society.

These recommendations aim to alleviate the problem of overcrowding in prisons and promote a more effective and efficient criminal justice system.