Nepal Introduces New Prison Rules for Conjugal Visits and Open Prisons

Nepal has introduced a new set of prison rules that allow for conjugal visits and open prisons, in a bid to improve the living conditions and rehabilitation of prisoners.

According to the new rules, which were published in the Nepal Gazette on Ashar 32, 2083, prisoners who have served at least two-thirds of their sentence and have shown good behavior can be transferred to an open prison.

The rules also allow for conjugal visits, where prisoners can spend time with their spouses in a separate room within the prison premises. However, this facility is only available to prisoners who have a valid marriage certificate and meet certain other criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for conjugal visits, prisoners must have a valid marriage certificate and meet certain other criteria, including having no more than two children. Female prisoners must be under 40 years of age, while male prisoners must have a spouse who is under 40 years of age.

Open Prisons

The new rules also introduce the concept of open prisons, where prisoners can live and work in a more relaxed environment. To be eligible for an open prison, prisoners must have served at least two-thirds of their sentence and have shown good behavior.

Prisoners in open prisons will be allowed to work outside the prison premises and can earn a minimum wage. They will also be allowed to participate in educational and vocational training programs.

Other Facilities

The new rules also provide for other facilities, including education and healthcare. Prisons with more than 100 prisoners will have to provide basic education facilities, while those with more than 500 prisoners will have to provide secondary education facilities.

Prisoners will also be allowed to participate in vocational training programs and can earn a certificate upon completion. The rules also provide for the establishment of a library and a healthcare facility within the prison premises.

Prisoners will be allowed to make phone calls and send letters to their families, and can also participate in recreational activities such as sports and games.