1 ( 19 )
2 mulation of prisoners might be arrested. These expedients have not yet,
3 however, been fully resorted to; but ere long they will come into full
4 effect, and there is little reason to fear that the numerical increase will
5 progress beyond control.
6 31. But the economical management of the Jails has been “good.
7 Metacie ot uainte. The expense does not increase together with
8 ‘
9 ment. the number of prisoners, as _may be thus ob-
10 served :—
11 1853. 1854. 1855.
12 No. of Prisoners, ... 10,242 11,054 11,802
13 Total cost, Rs. ... 4,24,852 8 8 4,837,594 4 1 4,083,324 7 1
14 or£ ... 42,485 0 52 43,759 86 40,332 9 0
15 Average cost perhead, Rs. 41 7 8 39 9 5 30 9 14
16 o£ 480 " 8198 31 23
17 The average cost having now fallen to Rupees 30-9-13 or £3-1-0 per
18 head per annum'has probably now reached its minimum. There are
19 still a few individual Jails that have yet to be reduced to the general
20 average, As explained in previous Reports, the custody of prisoners in
21 the Punjab is expensive; but in all other respects, the Magistrates
22 have succeeded in enforcing economy.
23 32. The general conduct and condition of the prisoners has been
24 satisfactory. Their rations and clothing are noto-
25 Favorable condition
26 and conduct of the pri- riously good, especially as compared with the
27 dae food and dress of the lower classes. Their wards
28 are clean and fairly ventilated. Their general health is excellent.
29 During 1854 the mortality was only 6:21 per cent., and during 1855, 5:07
30 per cent., on the aggregate of prisoners. In two Jails on the Frontier
31 there- have been epidemics, @ich equally afflicted the neighborhood.
32 _In two Jails also (Rawul Pindee and Dhurmsala) the prisoners suffered
33 in health while constructing the prison buildings. The abolition of out-
34 door labor generally, and the substitution of intramural occupation
35 effected in 1853, has had the best effect, both on the physique and the
36 morale of the prisoners. The interior of the Jail now resembles an
37 Industrial Institution. There has been no emeute or attempt” at distur-