Lumbini Chief Attorney’s inspects overcrowded prisons, calls for structural upgrades

KATHMANDU: The Chief Attorney’s Office of Lumbini Province has launched a comprehensive monitoring initiative for prisons and police detention cells within the province.

A delegation led by Chief Attorney Yamalal Khanal conducted the first phase of inspections in the district prisons and detention facilities of Dang, Arghakhanchi, Gulmi, and Palpa.

Following the visits, the delegation held discussions with prison authorities, security personnel, and detainees, stressing the need to improve conditions and enhance human rights protections within the facilities.

Additionally, prisoners were provided with psychosocial counseling to promote discipline and positive behavior.

The monitoring initiative is in line with the Act on the Functions, Duties, Rights, and Conditions of Service of the Chief Attorney, 2075 BS, which mandates the inspection of detention facilities in the province.

Chief Attorney Khanal explained that the team’s role was to ensure humane treatment of detainees and provide necessary guidance to the responsible authorities.

During the inspections, the delegation observed that many facilities suffer from outdated infrastructure and overcrowding.

Notably, the Gulmi district prison was recommended for structural changes due to its age.

Khanal pointed out that the provincial government had previously prepared a Detailed Study Report (DPR) for such improvements and stressed the need to secure funding based on this report.

While some facilities, such as the prisons in Ghorahi and Tulsipur in Dang, were in better condition, the monitoring team highlighted the importance of providing prisoners with useful skills, such as handicraft training, to aid in their reintegration into society upon release.

The prisons in Ghorahi and Tulsipur currently house the highest number of detainees, with 996 prisoners, followed by Palpa (264), Gulmi (106), and Arghakhanchi (84).

The monitoring delegation included key officials from the Chief Attorney’s Office, including Deputy Attorney Dr. Surya Prasad Poudel and Accounts Officer Durga Prasad Poudel.