India, April 7 -- The newly-elected representatives of 'jail panchayats' will work for the protection of human rights along with the safety of inmates. Polls to the bodies in several correctional facilities across the State were held a few days ago.

In a distinctive initiative, the panchayat elections took place within the boundaries of jails in Odisha, offering inmates the opportunity to elect their leaders such as Sarpanch and various other representatives.

Elections held in 87 jails across Odisha Oath-taking ceremonies were recently conducted across nearly 87 correctional institutions for the newly appointed members.

This novel scheme enables prisoners to vote and engage in a democratic process as part of the 'jail panchayat', a pro...