The Centre has approved the new Model Prison Manual to bring in uniformity in laws, rules and regulations for the administration of prisons. Setting up of a legal aid clinic in every prison, constitution of under-trial review committee, safety and reformation of women prisoners, sensitizing the prison staff about gender issues and sexual violence are some of the highlights of the new jail manual approved by the Home Minister Rajnath Singh.<br/><br/>As per the manual, provisions have been made to ensure legal services for under-trial prisoners who have undergone half of the maximum sentence. The manual has special provisions for comprehensive health screening for women prisoners and restrictions on punishments like close confinement to pregnant women and women with infants.For children of women prisoners, there is a provision for their holistic development including food, medical care, clothing, education and recreational facilities.<br/><br/>There are also provisions of legal aid to prisoners sentenced to death at all stages, even after rejection of mercy petitions and regular mental health evaluation for death row prisoners. The new manual is based on the extensive review of the existing model prison manual by an expert committee and peer review to ensure that the new draft is aligned with the contemporary prison jurisprudence.The Home Ministry will soon send the manual to the States for their guidance.