Saturday, September 13, 2025

Endorsed by the World: How PVCHR and Jan Mitra Nyas Became a Beacon of Human Rights

 Endorsed by the World: How PVCHR and Jan Mitra Nyas Became a Beacon of Human Rights

For decades, Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi and Shruti Nagvanshi have worked through the People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) and Jan Mitra Nyas (JMN) to challenge caste oppression, bonded labour, torture, and child exploitation in India. Their grassroots efforts have saved lives, restored dignity, and sparked systemic change.

But their impact goes beyond local communities. Some of the world’s most respected institutions — from the Tata Trusts to the European Union — have placed their confidence in PVCHR and JMN, recognizing them as innovators, leaders, and trusted partners in the fight for justice.

1. Tata Trusts – A Trendsetter in Education

“PVCHR-Jan Mitra Nyas has been a trendsetter in integrating technology in madarsas, reaching the most downtrodden with innovative education.” – Tata Trusts

Since 2005, JMN has worked with Tata Trusts to bring education to Musahar and Muslim children in Varanasi and Jaunpur. Entire cohorts of first-generation learners have completed higher studies, breaking cycles of poverty and exclusion.



2. DIGNITY, Denmark – Healing Survivors of Torture

“Our cooperation has empowered more than 700 survivors of torture across 80 villages… PVCHR is a leading civil society force.” – DIGNITY Denmark

In partnership with DIGNITY, PVCHR pioneered testimonial therapy and trauma healing for survivors of torture and organized violence. Their work is now documented in international journals and conferences.

3. ZEBRA, Austria – Sustaining Human Rights Innovations

“PVCHR is characterized by its high commitment and innovation potential… enriching the work of IRCT and partner organizations.” – ZEBRA Austria

ZEBRA highlighted PVCHR’s work in documenting torture cases, providing legal aid, and human rights education. Their strategies in Uttar Pradesh villages have become models for effective grassroots human rights interventions.

4. CRY – Protecting Every Child

“They are relentlessly working at the grassroots for the protection of child rights through rescue, rehabilitation, and model villages.” – CRY (Child Rights and You)

From rescuing child bonded labourers to creating child-friendly villages, JMN and PVCHR’s partnership with CRY has strengthened maternal and neonatal health among migrant families, saving countless young lives.

5. Bonded Labour Liberation Front – Fighting Exploitation

“They tirelessly work at the grassroots for the protection and promotion of human rights through rehabilitation of bonded labourers.” – Swami Agnivesh, Chairperson

PVCHR has freed and rehabilitated survivors of bonded labour and trafficking, while promoting Jan Mitra Gaon — model villages where exploitation is prevented through social awareness and access to entitlements.

6. Childline India Foundation – Protecting Children in Crisis

“Our association has been fruitful and enriching. We wish them luck for their future endeavours.” – Childline India Foundation

As an implementing partner of Childline 1098 in Budaun district, JMN has been a trusted frontline responder for children in need of care and protection.



7. European Union Delegation to India – Strengthening State Accountability

“Jan Mitra Nyas demonstrated great commitment towards its work and could be credited with successful implementation of EU projects.” – EU Delegation to India

The European Union partnered with JMN in projects to prevent torture in India, strengthen state accountability, and engage human rights institutions. Their work bridged grassroots advocacy with international frameworks.

Conclusion: Local Roots, Global Recognition

These endorsements are more than letters; they are a testament of trust. From grassroots families in Uttar Pradesh to international organizations in Denmark, Austria, and Brussels, the world recognizes PVCHR and Jan Mitra Nyas as credible, innovative, and impactful leaders of change.

By combining compassion with strategy, Lenin and Shruti Nagvanshi have proven that human dignity is not a dream but a deliverable reality. Their work continues to inspire — in India, in South Asia, and across the world.


Nepal’s Gen Z Uprising, People’s SAARC, and the Promise of South Asian Democracy

 

                                                                          Source: PTI/Hindu 

In September 2025, Nepal’s youth showed the world that dignity cannot be silenced. From bullets to the appointment of the country’s first woman Prime Minister, their struggle is a mirror for all of South Asia.


In my latest article, I connect Nepal’s Gen Z uprising with the vision of People’s SAARC we initiated in Varanasi two decades ago — a South Asia where democracy means justice, not just elections.

✍️ Read the full piece:

#Democracy #Youth #SAARC #humanrights

Tuesday, September 09, 2025

NHRC Directs Compensation in Bokaro Protest Death Case

NHRC Directs Compensation in Bokaro Protest Death Case

📅 Date: 9 September 2025
📍 New Delhi

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken serious cognizance of the tragic death of 26-year-old Prem Kumar Mahato, who lost his life during a protest in Bokaro Steel City, Jharkhand on 3 April 2025.

The incident occurred when the Displaced Apprentices Union organized a dharna demanding employment opportunities at Bokaro Steel Plant. Despite the administration’s refusal to grant permission, the protest went ahead. Tensions escalated between demonstrators and security personnel, including the CISF. Reports confirm that Prem Mahato was struck by a stick during the clash, collapsed on the spot, and was later declared dead at Bokaro General Hospital.

Following the death, massive protests broke out, roads were blocked, and prohibitory orders were imposed across Bokaro. The situation normalized only by the evening of 5 April 2025.

NHRC Intervention

The case was brought to the Commission’s attention by Lenin Raghuvanshi, human rights defender and Founder of People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR).

After reviewing the inquiry report submitted by the Sub-Divisional Officer, Chas, the NHRC observed that:

  • The death of an unemployed, educated youth occurred as a direct result of injuries sustained during the protest.

  • This constitutes a serious human rights concern linked to the right to life and dignity.

Accordingly, the Commission has directed the Government of Jharkhand, through its Chief Secretary, to:

👉 Provide ₹5,00,000 monetary compensation to the next of kin of the deceased.
👉 Submit proof of payment to the NHRC within two weeks.
👉 File a complete report by 3 October 2025 for further consideration.

The matter is scheduled to be placed before the Commission again on 9 October 2025.

Why This Matters

This intervention underscores the NHRC’s vital role in:

✔️ Addressing excessive use of force during protests.
✔️ Ensuring state accountability in cases of custodial and protest-related deaths.
✔️ Providing immediate relief and compensation to victims’ families.

The Bokaro incident highlights the urgent need for dialogue-based conflict resolution and protection of citizens’ democratic right to protest, especially when linked to livelihood and employment concerns.

✍️ Filed by:
Lenin Raghuvanshi
Founder, People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR)

📖 Related Reading: Nepal’s Youth Are Being Met With Bullets, Not Dialogue

NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MANAV ADHIKAR BHAWAN BLOCK-C, GPO COMPLEX, INA, NEW DELHI- 110023
Fax No.: 011-24651332    Website: www.nhrc.nic.in
(Law Division)
Case No.- 245/34/1/2025

Date : 09/09/2025  
To,
THE SECRETARY
Department of Urban Development, Room no. 411, IVth Floor, Project Building, Dhurwa, Ranchi
JHARKHAND JHARKHAND
834003
Email- ud.secy@gmail.com

 
Sub : Complaint/ Intimation from

LENIN RAGHUVANSHI
SA 4/2A DAULATPUR, VARANASI
VARANASI , UTTAR PRADESH
221002
Email- pvchr.adv@gmail.com , Mob No- 9935599331

 
Subject: Additional Information Called for(AIC) -245/34/1/2025.
 
Sir/ Madam,
 
         I am directed to say that the matter was considered by the Commission on 09/09/2025 and the Commission has directed as follows.:
         

1. The Commission received a complaint dated:04-04-2025, from Sh.Lenin Raghuvanshi, R/o. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh informing a tragic incident during the ongoing protest in Bokaro Steel City, Jharkhand, wherein the displaced people were demonstrating for employment on 03-04-2025.   It was further stated that the protest turned violent, when the security forces deployed at Bokaro Steel Limited (BSL) and CISF resorted to a lathi-charge on the protesters and this led to the death of 26-year-old Prem Mahato and injuries to several women.

2. The Commission took the cognizance of the complaint and directed the District Magistrate-cum-Collector, Bokaro, Jharkhand to make an inquiry and submit the report expeditiously within a period of 15 days.


3. The Commission received a report dated:02-08-2025, from Sub-Divisional Officer, Chas, whereby it was stated that, an application was submitted by the Displaced Apprentices Union on 01-04-2025 for permission to hold a dharna on 03-04-2025 regarding employment in Bokaro Steel Plant.  Keeping in mind the possible law and order problem at the site, the application was rejected and information regarding this was also given to the applicants, as well as the concerned Police Station and City DSP etc.  Despite this, on 03-04-2025, a dharna demonstration was organized by the Displaced Apprentices Union without permission.  During the dharna, the Zonal Officer, the local police station officials and the CISF personnel deployed for security tried to convince the protesters to protest peacefully, but the protesters did not calm down. The protesters started clashing with the CISF personnel at 9 am and the movement of the common people was blocked there. In the evening, sticks were thrown between the displaced apprentices union and the CISF personnel. In this sequence, a person (Prem Kumar Mahato) was hit by a stick, due to which he fell unconscious on the ground immediately. He was taken to Bokaro General Hospital by the BSL management in an ambulance for treatment, where he was declared dead. Thereafter, the entire Bokaro was closed on 04-04-2025 by the angry protesters regarding the above matter. All the roads were blocked.  It was further stated that, in view of the deteriorating law and order situation and sensitivity, prohibitory orders were imposed in the entire Bokaro area on 04-04-2025 at 9:00 pm under Section-163 of the IPC and when situation became completely normal from afternoon to 9:00 pm on 05-04-2025, the prohibitory order was withdrawn at 9:30 pm on 05-04-2025.

4. The Commission has perused the report dated:02-08-2025, received from the Sub-Divisional Officer, Chas, whereby it was acknowledged that, one protestor had died, because of the injury caused by getting hit by the stick.  As there is a death of an unemployed educated youth, caused by getting hit by stick, during the protest seeking employment, the Commission deems it fit case, where a monetary compensation be provided to the NoK’s of the deceased.  In view of same, the Commission directs the Government of Jharkhand, through its Chief Secretary, to provide the monetary compensation of Rs.05,00,000/- to the NoK’s of the deceased and transmit the proof of the payment so made, to the Commission within 02 (two) weeks.

5. Put before the Commission on 09-10-2025.
 
2.     It is therefore, requested that the additional/ complete report as directed by the Commission in the matter be sent latest by 03/10/2025, for futher consideration by the Commission.
 
3.     Any communication by public authorities in this matter may please be sent to the Commission through the HRCNet Portal (https://hrcnet.nic.in) by using id and password already provided to the public authorities (click Authority Login). Any Audio/ Video CDs/ pen drives etc. may be sent through Speed Post/ per bearer. The reports/ responses sent through email may not be entertained

Your’s faithfully
Sd/-
L. M. Pathak
CONSULTANT (LAW), M-3
M-3 Section
Ph. No. 011-24663299

CC to
THE CHIEF SECRETARY
1ST FLOOR, PROJECT BUILDING,DHURWA, RANCHI- 834004
JHARKHAND
Email- cs-jharkhand@nic.in


L. M. Pathak
CONSULTANT (LAW), M-3
M-3 Section
Ph. No. 011-24663299



Appeal for Dialogue and Protection of Nepal’s Youth

To,
Rt. Hon. K. P. Sharma Oli Jee,
Prime Minister of Nepal
Singha Durbar, Kathmandu, Nepal

Subject: Appeal for Dialogue and Protection of Nepal's Youth

Respected Prime Minister Oli,

Please accept my heartfelt greetings and admiration for Nepal's remarkable democratic journey—from the peace process to the constitution-building efforts that have strengthened a more inclusive and resilient society.

I write with deep concern about recent events involving student protests in Nepal. As has been reported, young demonstrators—many in school uniforms—have been met with excessive force, resulting in the tragic death of a 14-year-old girl and injuries to others. It is particularly troubling to learn that tear gas was used even near hospitals, risking the safety of patients and healthcare professionals.

The students' message is simple yet profound: "Taxes we paid are not for politicians' luxury." This reflects a generation yearning for accountability and fairness—values that lie at the heart of Nepal's democratic ethos. Their aspirations merit careful listening and engagement.

Your leadership today holds extraordinary potential to turn this challenging moment into an opportunity for reconciliation and dialogue. I humbly urge your government to:

  1. Ensure that security forces practice maximum restraint, avoiding the use of lethal or excessive force.

  2. Initiate an impartial and transparent inquiry into the tragic incidents, ensuring justice for those affected.

  3. Establish a constructive and safe platform for students and civil society to voice their grievances and concerns.

  4. Reaffirm Nepal's constitutional and international commitments to human rights and nonviolent civic participation.

Nepal's global standing—as a beacon of democratic transition and peaceful pluralism—is well deserved. By choosing dialogue over confrontation, your government can reinforce that voice of the youth carries weight, and that their future will be shaped by trust, respect, and justice.

For further background on these concerns, I invite you to read my op-ed:
👉 Nepal's Youth Are Being Met With Bullets, Not Dialogue
https://medium.com/@lenin_75290/nepals-youth-are-being-met-with-bullets-not-dialogue-b1b30b114e1e

I write in the spirit of shared hope, and with sincere anticipation of constructive engagement.

Respectfully,
Lenin Raghuvanshi
Founder, People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR)
Varanasi, India

Lenin Raghuvanshi
Visiting Senior Fellow, IMPRI Impact and Policy Research Institute IMPRI Profile 
Founder-Convenor, People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) 
Former CEO, JanMitra Nyas, Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC of the United Nations
SA 4/2 A Daulatpur, Varanasi - 221002, India 
Mobile: +91-9335688938
Wikipedia: Lenin Raghuvanshi, PVCHR 
Follow us on Facebook: Lenin Raghuvanshi Facebook Page

🚨 Nepal’s Youth Are Being Met With Bullets, Not Dialogue 🚨





🚨 Nepal’s Youth Are Being Met With Bullets, Not Dialogue 🚨


Peaceful student protesters in Nepal — many in school uniforms — are being fired upon with live ammunition. A 14-year-old girl has been killed. Tear gas is even used inside hospitals.

Their demand is simple: “Taxes We Paid Are Not for Politicians’ Luxury.”
Yet their voices are silenced with bullets and misrepresented as a call to “unban social media.”

This is a grave human rights violation. The world must act before more young lives are lost.

Read my full op-ed here ⬇️

#NepalProtests #HumanRights #StopTheViolence #LeninRaghuvanshi
 

Monday, September 08, 2025

यादगार क्यों रह जाएगा काशी में दिवंगत अनिल चौधरी का अंतिम तर्पण!

 https://junputh.com/editors-choice/last-tribute-to-anil-chaudhary-in-kashi-will-be-remembered-forever/

यादगार क्यों रह जाएगा काशी में दिवंगत अनिल चौधरी का अंतिम तर्पण!


शिक्षाविद् और सामाजिक आंदोलनों के गुरु अनिल चौधरी को इस दुनिया से गए पांच महीने हो रहे हैं। इस बीच उनकी श्रद्धांजलि स्‍वरूप दिल्‍ली से लेकर लखनऊ, रांची, जौनपुर इत्‍यादि कई जगहों पर सभाएं हुईं, लेकिन बीते महीने की बीस तारीख को बनारस में हुई सभा इस मायने में विशिष्‍ट रही कि जिन वंचितों, मजलूमों और उत्पीड़ितों को संबल देने में उन्‍होंने अपना जीवन लगा दिया था उनकी इस सभा में न सिर्फ उपस्थिति रही बल्कि उनकी मर्मभेदी गवाहियों ने इस बात का अहसास करवाया कि अनिल चौधरी का शुरू किया काम उनकी अनुपस्थिति में रुकेगा नहीं, चलता रहेगा।

इस कार्यक्रम की जीवंतता और उसकी परिकल्‍पना की विश्‍वसनीयता का गवाह बना एक दृश्‍य ऐसा है, जो दिल्‍ली जैसे महानगरों में देखने को कभी नहीं मिल सकता। सोनभद्र से आए एक यातना पीड़ित बुजुर्ग जटई अपनी गवाही के बाद फफक-फफक कर रोने लगे। आयोजन के सूत्रधार रहे डॉ. लेनिन ने उन्‍हें चुप करवाते हुए गले लगाया और सम्‍मानित करते हुए कहा, ‘’रोवत काहे हउवा? डेराये क कौनो बात नाही। मस्‍त रहा।‘’ य‍ह अनिल चौधरी की जमीनी परंपरा जमीन की भाषा में एक वंचित और कमजोर आदमी से बोल रही थी, ताकि वह मजबूत बन सके।



अनिल चौधरी के जीवन और कर्म की प्रेरणा यह थी कि वे अच्‍छे लोगों को ताकतवर बनाना चाहते थे। उन्‍होंने अपने जैसे सैकड़ों लोग इस प्रक्रिया में पैदा किए। सामाजिक परिवर्तन के लिए काम कर रहे संगठनों को उन्‍होंने एक बहुमूल्‍य नारा दिया था, ‘’जिसका मुद्दा उसकी लड़ाई, जिसकी लड़ाई उसकी अगुवाई।‘’ अगर लड़ने वाला अंतिम आदमी ही गुरु की श्रद्धांजलि से नदारद हो, तो वह कैसा तर्पण?

दिल्‍ली की दो सभाओं में (एक अप्रैल और दूसरी जून) यह बात बहुत से लोगों को अखरी थी कि अनिल चौधरी को उनकी विशिष्‍ट परंपरा के हिसाब से श्रद्धांजलि नहीं दी जा सकी। स्‍वाभाविक है, दिल्‍ली में ऐसा संभव भी नहीं था। इसीलिए अनिल चौधरी को चाहने वाले बहुत से लोग काशी की धरती पर उनके तर्पण की प्रतीक्षा कर रहे थे, हालांकि बहुत से लोगों को यह बात वहां भी हजम नहीं हुई कि श्रद्धांजलि सभा में आखिर यातना पीड़ितों का क्‍या काम? लेकिन यही वह नुक्‍ता था, जिसने एक व्‍यक्ति की श्रद्धांजलि को एक सामाजिक कर्म में तब्‍दील कर दिया और वंचित-पीड़ित समुदायों के सशक्‍तीकरण का बायस बना डाला।

आयोजन का शीर्षक बिलकुल इसी भावना से मेल खाता था, ‘’समुदायों का निर्माण, आशा का निर्माण’’। किसी भी किस्‍म के सामुदायिक काम के मूल में आशा का होना जरूरी है। आशा ही वह रेशा है जो अंतिम आदमी को परिवर्तन के खयाल से बांधे रखती है। अनिल चौधरी ने अपने जीते जी जनता के मुद्दों और विचारों के इर्द-गिर्द जितने विविध किस्‍म के समुदाय निर्मित किए, वह अपने आप में एक शोध का विषय है। बनारस में उनकी याद में हुए जुटान ने दिखा दिया कि उनके बनाए परिवर्तनकारी समुदाय अब भी सक्रिय हैं और आज भी वे पहचान की बीमारी से बचे हुए हैं, जिससे अनिल चौधरी हमेशा सतर्क करते थे।



यह उनकी बहुलतावादी परंपरा ही रही, कि पराड़कर भवन में मंच पर पत्रकार विजय विनीत (नवदलित सम्‍मान), कवि व्‍योमेश शुक्‍ल, कमलेंद्र कुमार सिंह, अधिवक्ता चे ग्वारा रघुवंशी और मानवाधिकार कार्यकर्ता पिंटू गुप्‍ता (सभी जनमित्र सम्‍मान) को एक साथ सम्‍मानित किया गया जबकि कार्यक्रम की अध्‍यक्षता इतिहासकार डॉ. मोहम्‍मद आरिफ ने की। सम्‍मान समारोह के चयन से लेकर यातना पीड़ित समुदाय की भागीदारी तक, यह श्रद्धांजलि सभा काशी की बहुलतावादी, बहुसांस्‍कृतिक सह-अस्तित्‍व की सनातन संस्‍कृति का गवाह रही। इतना ही नहीं, जब मंचस्‍थ अतिथियों ने सोनभद्र के ग्रामीणों सोनू, नंदलाल, दिनेश और शिवशंकर को शॉल ओढ़ाकर सम्‍मानित किया, तो यह बात बिना कहे अपने आप स्‍थापित हो गई कि सामाजिक परिवर्तन की प्रक्रिया में व्‍यक्ति महत्‍वपूर्ण नहीं होता, समुदाय और उसके सशक्‍तीकरण का विचार अहम होता है।  

आयोजन के इस अनूठे तत्‍व को रेखांकित करते हुए अध्‍यक्षीय उद्बोधन में डॉ. आरिफ ने बहुत खूब बात कही, “पीड़ितों का इलाज चौधरी साहब इस तरह करते थे कि अपने आखिरी दिनों तक भी जख्मों पर मरहम लगा कर सामने वाले को राहत का अहसास करवाते थे। चौधरी साहब तीन बातों के लिए जाने जाएंगे संसार में: एक था सांप्रदायिकता का विनाश करो। दूसरा था लोकतंत्र की रक्षा में खड़े हो। तीसरा था भूमंडलीकरण का प्रतिरोध करो। इन तीन मंत्रों पर काम करने वाले भारत भर में उनके कई कमांडर मौजूद हैं!”

काशी के डॉ. लेनिन उन्‍हीं कमांडरों में से एक हैं, जिनकी संस्‍था जनमित्र न्‍यास और पीवीसीएचआर ने महीनों की अथक तैयारी से इस आयोजन का ताना-बाना बुना था। यह आयोजन बेशक और पहले हो सकता था, लेकिन अनिल चौधरी जैसी शख्सियत को रस्‍मी श्रद्धांजलि देने का कोई मतलब नहीं था जब तक कि उनके मूल विचार और राजनीति की झलक न मिले। इसीलिए, बनारस की श्रद्धांजलि सभा चार महीने बाद भी खास और चर्चित बन गई क्‍योंकि चालीस साल के दौरान हजारों लोगों को अनिल चौधरी की सिखाई अनुभव-आधारित सहभागितापूर्ण सामुदायिक प्रैक्टिस यहां जमीन पर चरितार्थ होती साफ-साफ दिखाई दी।


जनमित्र न्यास, PVCHR के साथ IRCT, GHPF, JUSTER और संयुक्त राष्ट्र की संस्था UNVFVT का भी इस आयोजन में हाथ रहा। खास बात यह भी रही कि यह सभा PVCHR के वार्षिक सम्मेलन का बायस बनी। यानी संस्‍था ने अपना वार्षिक सम्‍मेलन अनिल चौधरी को समर्पित कर दिया। साथ ही डॉ. लेनिन ने अनिल चौधरी की संस्‍था PEACE के कार्यकर्ताओं को भविष्य में द्विवार्षिक वजीफा और नवदलित सम्मान देने की घोषणा की। 

कार्यक्रम में दिल्ली से PEACE के कार्यकारी निदेशक श्री जितेंद्र चाहर भी पहुंचे थे, जिन्‍होंने अपने विशिष्ट संबोधन में बहुत विस्तार से अनिल चौधरी की वैचारिक दृष्टि को रेखांकित किया और उनकी एक केंद्रीय शिक्षा की याद सबको दिलाई, ‘’सामाजिक परिवर्तन कोई प्रोजेक्ट नहीं है, निरंतर चलने वाली एक सामाजिक प्रक्रिया है।” इसी सामाजिक प्रक्रिया को चलाए रखने के लिए अनिल चौधरी के कुछ गुरुमंत्र दिल्ली से ही आए पत्रकार अभिषेक श्रीवास्तव ने गिनवाए।

यातना पीड़ितों की गवाही और सम्‍मान कार्यक्रम के अलावा आयोजन का तीसरा मुख्‍य पहलू रहा किताबों का लोकार्पण। एक किताब अनिल चौधरी के ऊपर लिखे श्रद्धांजलि लेखों का संकलन है जिसे पीस ने छापा है। दूसरी किताब डॉ. लेनिन की दलितों पर लिखी है, जिसे फ्रंटपेज प्रकाशन, लंदन ने छापा है। प्रकाशन के प्रमुख श्री अभिजीत मजूमदार भी कार्यक्रम में मौजूद थे। उनका अंग्रेजी में संक्षिप्त संबोधन हुआ।



अनिल चौधरी के बहुत से चाहने वाले और जानने वाले सभा में दूर-दूर से आए थे। सभा में बनारस के वरिष्ठ संपादक श्री एके लारी और शिव दास तो मौजूद थे ही, सामाजिक कार्यकर्ता श्री अरविंद मूर्ति भी मऊ से आए थे। आज़मगढ़ से किसान नेता राजीव यादव पहुंचे थे; पश्चिमी चम्‍पारण से पत्रकार अजय कुमार आए थे; चित्रकूट से कवि और सामाजिक कार्यकर्ता नित्‍यानंद आए थे; तो लखनऊ से सामाजिक कार्यकर्ता आशीष अवस्थी और ज्ञान जी आए थे। ये तमाम लोग अनिल चौधरी के साथ लंबे समय तक जुड़े रहे थे। 

PVCHR की प्रमुख श्रुति नागवंशी ने जब सभा में आए लोगों का धन्यवाद ज्ञापन किया, तो उन्‍होंने बहुत मार्के की बात कही। अनिल चौधरी के संदर्भ में सभा संचालक डॉ. शम्‍मी सिंह द्वारा प्रयुक्‍त ‘स्‍वर्गवास’ को उन्‍होंने दुरुस्‍त करते हुए कहा कि अनिल चौधरी ऐसे शब्‍द पसंद नहीं करते थे। इतनी बारीक सी बात को धन्‍यवाद ज्ञापन में प्रकाशित करना यह दिखाता है कि बनारस में हुई श्रद्धांजलि सभा अनिल चौधरी के जीवन दर्शन से किस कदर अनुप्राणित थी, सामाजिक रूप से क्‍यों अहम थी और राजनीतिक रूप से कितनी मुक्तिदायी थी।  

आयोजन की कुछ छवियाँ

काशी की धरती और लोगों ने देर से सही, लेकिन अपने प्रिय गुरु दिवंगत अनिल चौधरी का सुव्‍यवस्थित, सुचिंतित और भव्‍य तर्पण किया। संयोग से, इस साल का पितृपक्ष कल से शुरू होने जा रहा है। इस मौके पर काशी और अनिल चौधरी को याद करने का केवल यह मंतव्‍य है कि उनकी आत्‍मा अब मुक्‍त होकर हजारों देहों के माध्‍यम से आने वाले समय में मुक्ति के सपनों को अपना स्‍वर दे।

Thursday, September 04, 2025

Yogi Government’s Directive on Early Release: A Welcome Step Towards Humanitarian Jail Reforms


 The recent directive by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, instructing authorities to simplify the rules for early release of prisoners suffering from serious illnesses, marks a significant development in the ongoing debate on prison reforms in India. It reflects a long-awaited recognition of the humanitarian dimension of incarceration.

The Context: Overcrowded and Neglected Prisons

As documented by the Peoples’ Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) through extensive RTI-based studies, Uttar Pradesh’s prisons remain severely overcrowded. Against an official capacity of around 8,428 prisoners, the state has housed over 48,970 inmates, often exceeding six times the prescribed limit. Such overcrowding not only compromises living conditions but also violates the basic rights of prisoners under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and dignity.

For decades, PVCHR has highlighted cases where undertrials languished for years, even after being granted bail, due to their inability to furnish surety bonds. Many prisoners remain behind bars for reasons as trivial as unpaid fines, exposing the deep class inequities within the justice system.

A Step Towards Human Dignity

The Chief Minister’s direction to adopt a humanitarian perspective for seriously ill prisoners signals a potential shift towards compassion in prison governance. Early release on health grounds is not just a mercy—it is a constitutional obligation, as the Supreme Court has repeatedly emphasized that prisoners do not lose their fundamental rights at the prison gate.

This step echoes long-standing demands by civil society organizations, including PVCHR, which have advocated for:

  • Medical parole for seriously ill inmates.

  • Timely release of elderly prisoners who have served substantial portions of their sentence.

  • Separation of undertrials from convicts to reduce psychological and physical vulnerability.

  • Strengthening of rehabilitation measures so that released prisoners can reintegrate into society.

Linking Prisoners with Service and Rehabilitation

The directive also mentions connecting prisoners with agriculture and service-related work, which could help them learn skills, generate income, and rebuild dignity. If implemented with transparency and safeguards against exploitation, such initiatives could transform prisons into genuine centers of correction rather than mere warehouses of despair.

The Way Forward

While Yogi Adityanath’s directive is commendable, the challenge lies in implementation. Past experiences show that government announcements often fail to translate into meaningful relief due to bureaucratic inertia. What is needed now is:

  1. Clear Government Orders (GO): A formal notification simplifying parole and remission rules for sick and aged prisoners.

  2. Periodic Reviews: Mechanisms to review cases every January, May, and September, as the directive suggests.

  3. NGO Involvement: As seen earlier, partnerships with NGOs to stand surety for poor undertrials have had tangible impacts. Such collaborations should be institutionalized.

  4. Accountability Frameworks: Strong monitoring to prevent arbitrary denial of early release.

Conclusion

The Chief Minister’s call to ease rules for early release is a step in the right direction, aligning governance with the values of justice, compassion, and human dignity. However, this must not remain a symbolic gesture—it must translate into concrete policies and practices that uplift thousands of prisoners trapped in the cycle of neglect, poverty, and injustice.

For Uttar Pradesh to truly reform its prisons, the state must listen to the voices of civil society, uphold constitutional morality, and act decisively to restore hope to those who remain forgotten behind bars.

📌 Key Links

  1. Condition of Jails of Uttar Pradesh (PVCHR Report, RTI-based)

  2. NHRC Show Cause Notice in Case of Custodial Death (Krishan Murari, Sonbhadra Jail, 2021)

  3. News Report: State Govt Brings in NGO for Poor Prisoners (The Pioneer, 2016)