30/06/2026
Juvenile Justice Board pays surprise Inspection of Observation Home Harwan and Dignibal Sub-Jail to Review Juvenile Welfare and Institutional Standards.
Aijaz Baba / Srinagar
In furtherance of the mandate of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, the inspection of the Observation Home, Harwan, and Dignibal Sub-Jail was conducted by the Worthy Principal Magistrate, Ms. Farah Bashir (JMIC), accompanied by Board Member Mr. Zulfkar Khan and Legal-cum-Probation Officer Ms. Sameena Anjum.
The inspection was aimed at assessing the overall functioning of the institutions, with particular emphasis on the care, protection, rehabilitation, and welfare of children in conflict with the law, as well as ensuring that the prescribed legal and institutional standards are being strictly adhered to.
During their visit to the Observation Home, Harwan, the inspection team reviewed the residential facilities, hygiene and sanitation, educational and recreational arrangements, healthcare services, counselling facilities, nutritional standards, security measures, and rehabilitation programmes. The officers also interacted with the staff and inmates to assess their well-being and to ensure that a child-friendly environment, in accordance with the principles of the Juvenile Justice Act, is being maintained.
The team also visited Dignibal Sub-Jail, where they inspected the overall infrastructure, cleanliness, living conditions, medical facilities, food quality, security arrangements, and the implementation of welfare measures. Necessary observations were made, and the concerned authorities were advised to maintain the highest standards of care, dignity, and institutional management in accordance with legal provisions.
The visiting officers reiterated that regular inspections are essential to safeguarding the rights of children and inmates, promoting transparency and accountability, and strengthening rehabilitation-oriented institutional practices.
The inspection reflects the continued commitment of the Juvenile Justice Board and allied authorities to ensuring humane treatment, legal compliance, and the effective implementation of welfare measures for children in conflict with the law and other persons housed in correctional institutions
