Preshti is an initiative by the Nyaya Foundation, an international non-profit organization. We, at Preshti aim at improving the conditions of prisoners in India and bringing about strong reforms in prison administration by focusing on rehabilitation of prisoners.

It is an undeniable fact that the poor, illiterate and weaker sections of our society suffer day in and day out in their struggle for survival and even more so when it comes to being disadvantaged by our justice system. A very large number of under–trial prisoners suffer prolonged incarceration in petty criminal matters merely because they are not in a position to furnish bail and get released from police or judicial custody.

In India, eighty per cent of the inmates in the jails are under trials. The major problems faced by these inmates are not only of not getting a trial but that of not being granted bail, inhuman treatment in jails, poor conditions, lack of proper medical treatment, etc. Women prisoners get the brunt of poor reproductive health and breakdown of contact with family.

There are various statutes such as the Prisoners Act, 1894; the Model Manual Prison India, etc. and various precedents which have been laid down in landmark cases which provide for the rights which these prisoners are entitled to. However, the problem today lies not in the availability of these rights but in the implementation of these rights and precedents.

The current prison system has many latches, issues and problems that need to be reimagined with a focus on rehabilitation and reintegration with society. There is a need to streamline implementation of current reforms and recommendations.

Preshti seeks to be the instrument of this C H A N G E.