THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Jail DGP has directed to play FM Radio in states’ prisons from morning 6 am to 8 pm in the evening. The new reform is meant for curbing the suicidal tendencies among the inmates. The authorities believe that by constantly hearing music the inmates would be able to overcome the mental and psychological pressure of staying inside the prison and thus suicidal tendencies among them could be reduced.

Apart from this, certain big reforms are on the pipeline. Some have recommended distributing magazines among the inmates with the help of certain social-welfare organisations. Along with ensuring compulsory exercise, inmates should have adequate sunlight at least for half an hour. There would be no bar on calling relatives. Those who are not interested in this would be encouraged to make phone calls.

Regular counselling classes should be conducted once a week. A panel should be constituted for this purpose, involving members of certain social welfare organisations. An assistant prison officer should be appointed in civilian clothes to know about the general conditions of the inmates. It is also recommended to ensure the regular visits of welfare officers in jails.

National human rights commission has put forward recently certain recommendations to curb suicidal tendencies sen among inmates. Most important among them is to give constant psychological and mental support to the inmates, so that they can become a part of the general society, once they are released from jail. The prison staff has been advised to formulate strong relations with the inmates which could give them mental support and solace. The panel in its report has said that denial of parole, solitary confinement and diseases are the reasons which push inmates to commit suicide.