Ranchi:The District Legal Service Authority (DLSA) of Ranchi on Saturday started a three-day online programme for training undertrial prisoners on ways to protect themselves from Covid-19 after release on provisional bail under a special drive to decongest jails.
As many as 215 prisoners lodged at Birsa Munda Central jail would undergo the training.
The courts of Ranchi judgeship would consider their bail petitions and give the verdict soon.
Notably, a high-powered committee formed to prevent Covid-19 among prisoners ordered to grant bail with the aim to check overcrowding in jails.
The prisoners who get seven years or less punishment if convicted are being considered for bail.
The training programme conducted by Art of Living (AoL) comprises modes of Covid appropriate measures, yoga exercises for increasing immunity, including pranayam and meditation, food habits and daily routine.
Taking part in the inaugural session, judicial commissioner (in-charge) Sudanshu Shekhar Sashi said, “The training will not only save prisoners from Covid but also help them lead a tension-free and a healthy life.” DLSA secretary Abhishek Kumar said the undertrial prisoners are living in a secluded atmosphere where they are not fully aware about Covid and its impact.
An orientation programme will help them face the situation outside.
It would attach them to spiritualism and encourage them live cordially with others, he said.
AoL trainer and expert mediator DLSA P N Singh said his organisation has trained prisoners of Birsa Munda Central jail in the past as well but guiding them on how to protect their lives from a pandemic is new and a matter of pride.
He said, “Once the prisoners take to yoga and meditation their tendency to violate laws will also reduce.
At the end of each programme, we are making them take a pledge to follow Covid appropriate behaviour and take vaccine when their turn comes.”