Mamaearth Signs Celebrated Actor And Youth Icon, Samantha Ruth Prabhu As Brand Ambassador

* With Samantha, Mamaearth adds another star to its stellar portfolio of ambassadors  

Mamaearth, the fastest growing FMCG brands in India, introduces celebrated actor and youth icon, Samantha Ruth Prabhu as the new face of the brand. She will be endorsing skincare products while advocating choosing the goodness of natural ingredients. Through this partnership Mamaearth intends to anchor its presence in the southern market, along with strengthening its position nationally.

Mamaearth is a purpose driven brand for millennials who believe in choosing goodness for themselves and the environment. Mamaearth believes that goodness starts with the small choices each of us make every day! The brand continues to live up to this belief by using only the best of nature and no toxins or harmful chemicals in their products. They are animal cruelty-free, plastic positive, and have launched the Plant Goodness promise, as well. As part of this, the brand links every order made on their website to a tree they plant and is set to plant 10 lakh+ trees by 2025.

Samantha Prahu is known for her strong, independent persona and has touched millions of hearts with her positivity and fervor towards life. Her grace and goodness are infectious and is known to speak her mind. Hence, she is the true embodiment of ‘Goodness Inside’. 

Commenting on the campaign, Ghazal Alagh, Co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer, Mamaearth, said, "Being a brand for millennials and driven by the purpose of goodness, we wish to partner with people who resonate with our philosophy of ‘Goodness Inside’. Samanath represents the ideal youth, driven by ideals and purpose, and we strongly feel she will be able to support our purpose across India, especially the south Indian markets. "

Commenting on the partnership, Samantha Ruth Prabhu says "Anyone who follows me on social media knows that I am a big fan of natural ingredients and traditional home remedies for my skin. But home remedies are cumbersome to make and time-consuming too. Mamaearth is a brand that truly embodies my personal preferences for skincare. With natural ingredients and no-toxin formulations, the brand was an instant hit with me. In fact, when they approached me to endorse the brand, I knew this was a brand that I had to partner with, not only because of their products but their purpose of 'Goodness Inside'. As I embark upon this journey with Mamaearth, I hope my fellow goodness enthusiasts will choose the goodness of Mamaearth along with me.” 

CYFIRMA Introduces DeFNCE — The World’s First App To Protect Users And Mobile Devices From Cybercriminals

* An innovative mobile app with the capabilities to strengthen cybersecurity of mobile devices, identify fake apps, discover data leaks and provide cyber situational awareness

CYFIRMA, an external threat landscape platform management company funded by Goldman Sachs, Zodius Capital and Z3Partners, today announced the launch of DeFNCE, a mobile app to help users acquire cyber safe habits such as knowing how to set a secure password, learn about emerging cyber threats like phishing campaigns and other social engineering lures, and be aware of cyber criminals targeting apps they have installed.

According to App Annie Mobile App Landscape Report, there were 218 billion app downloads in 2020, time spent in finance apps was up 45% worldwide, and m-commerce experienced a massive growth. Similarly, social networking apps, video streaming apps, and gaming apps have all experienced a surge in recent times as the world’s population migrated to mobile and digital formats for work and play. In CYFIRMA’s research, threat actors and cybercriminals are increasingly viewing mobile devices as attack surfaces to carry out not just scams but also cyber espionage. The company predicts in 2022, cybercriminals will mount attacks to take over mobile devices and demand ransom knowing that many will succumb to the extortion tactics.

DeFNCE redefines mobile security as the only app with the capability to provide a safe browsing experience by using advanced algorithms to discover the user’s digital risk profile and alert him or her to spying, phishing, ransomware, malware and other cyber threats. The app contains over a million data sources to bring to the user’s attention on emails and passwords which have been stolen or leaked into underground marketplaces, specific hacking campaigns planned by cybercriminals to compromise banking and other sensitive apps, and help the user ensure the device settings adhere to cyber safe security standards.

“The mobile internet and mobile apps are not just a place to check your email or watch cat videos on YouTube anymore, it's also a way to find news, connect with friends and family, and do business on the go. But it's also a wild west full of unknown threats that can turn your digital footprint into a real-world crime scene. These threats can take many forms – from cybercriminals who are out to steal your identity, phishing campaigns to lure you into divulging confidential data, and even state-sponsored attacks trying to collect sensitive information,” said Kumar Ritesh, Founder and CEO, CYFIRMA. “That’s why we created DeFNCE to be that mobile device bodyguard for the everyday mobile user. DeFNCE is the first layer of protection for anyone who owns a smartphone and wants to keep away from the prying eyes of cybercriminals.”

DeFNCE contains the following functions to protect the mobile device user’s data and digital identity:

* Check cyber risk level according to a device scan

* Keep digital identity and emails safe

* Be assured that the device’s configuration and settings are providing the best security

* Be alerted to cybercriminals targeting the apps which have been downloaded to the phone

* Be cyber astute, stay updated on the latest in cybercriminal activities

DeFNCE features:

* Risk Score – A rating of Critical, High, Medium & Low is provided for each user with recommended actions to immediately strengthen security posture

* Explore – User can build his or her personal cyber situational awareness and learn the latest happenings related to cybersecurity

* Data leaks - Be alerted to emails and credentials that have been leaked and circulating in dark web marketplaces

* Mobile Cyber hygiene - Check that WIFI, Bluetooth, permission settings, mobile device OS version, and others, are properly configured

* App health - Watch for phishing attacks where criminals are masquerading the apps and seeking to profit from the user

In the last 12 months, CYFIRMA has seen nearly a 10-fold increase in cyberattacks targeting mobile phones users. The company has observed fake apps being created by hacking groups to collect sensitive data, steal behaviour data, profile customer interest and other malicious activities. Phishing campaigns which mimic legitimate apps have also become prevalent. Hackers are also exploiting connection layers to install surveillance apps.

Mobile devices will continue to attract more attention in 2022 by both cybercriminals and nation-states threat actors. They can be perfect spying tools attached to a treasure chest of valuable data. Unlike desktop platforms, the mobile app lacks mature and robust security checks to prevent and detect phishing, command & control traffic, credential theft, etc. Voice call (vishing) spamming, and scams are on a rise, all messaging apps are riddled with phishing and spam aimed at stealing credentials or lure users into installing malicious/fake apps. Even mobile device management platforms can be targeted in supply chain attacks to get a foothold into an organization’s networks.

Attacks on mobile-based devices and operating systems like Android and iOS will increase in 2022 as cybercriminals look to implant look-alike/malicious applications, exploit legitimate software.  Do not overlook and neglect mobile security, enforce strict security policies, limit numbers of apps installed on any device and minimize surface used for social engineering. 

The mobile phone has become an absolute necessity, directing every aspect of our lives. In 2022, cybercriminals will mount attacks to take over mobile devices and demand ransom knowing that many will succumb to the extortion tactics.

The app is free and now available in both Google Play Store and iOS App Store. CYFIRMA is targeting 1M downloads in India.

Travel Differently In 2022: Stay At The Iconic Nelson Mandela House Which Has Been Converted Into A Boutique Hotel

Travel has moved on from being centred around typically touristy experiences, to being something that provides perspective, enrichment and life-defining moments. Today, culture enthusiasts actively seek out places that are steeped in history and heritage. South Africa takes this engagement a step further by allowing guests to stay and immerse themselves in history at the prestigious Nelson Mandela’s House – also known as Sanctuary Mandela.

Resting in a buzzing Johannesburg suburb named Houghton, is the former home of the First President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. Excitingly, the nine-room house has now been converted into an upmarket, boutique hotel with the capacity to accommodate eighteen guests.

This house was the same place that Mandela came back to after spending 18 years in the prison at Robben Island, where he had been transferred to after being imprisoned for his part in the anti-Apartheid revolutionary struggle. This is also the home where he hosted illustrious dignitaries like Bill Clinton and Michelle Obama!

True to its name, Sanctuary Mandela is surrounded by lush gardens and retreat spaces filled with perfectly curated exhibits that evoke memories of the icon. Every corner of the hotel is envisaged to provide the perfect combination of tranquillity, heritage and mindful experiences.

The renovated hotel has many objects and belongings that adorn the halls displaying Mandela’s role as a Nobel Peace Prize winner, an anti-Apartheid revolutionary, political leader and philanthropist. Visitors will also find monochromatic photographs and copies of his books inside. Filled with mid-century styled furnishings, pressed-metal ceilings along with newly renovated floor-to-ceiling bay windows, the place is nothing short of a serene legacy.

Paying homage to Mandela’s love of food, the hotel also offers a fine dining restaurant experience which serves his favourite dishes and his favourite Constantia wine. The hotel also offers a variety of amenities, including swimming pool, a fully serviced bar and lounge as well as several meeting rooms.

This boutique, luxury hotel manages to reflect two of the basic qualities of the beloved South African president: modesty and elegance. With the addition of the heritage it holds, visitors will find this place to be a perfect historical treat!

Tata Trusts’ Parag Initiative Announces Parag Honours List 2022

* The annual list features the best books for children and young adults published in the past one year across Hindi and English in an effort to promote good quality children’s literature in India

Parag Initiative of Tata Trusts today announced the 3rd edition of the Parag Honour List for the year 2022. This robust list features a wide range of original writings across categories like picture books, chapter books, and young adult books. With a focus on curating a comprehensive collection of remarkable literature in English and in Hindi, the list aims to promote access to good quality children’s literature that librarians, teachers, parents and children can refer to and read.

The Parag Initiative of Tata Trusts believes in the transformative power of reading for pleasure and works to ensure that children across India can appreciate and enjoy reading in diverse regional languages. The work of Parag spans over sourcing, publishing, disseminating and promoting good quality children's literature in India. Over the years, Parag has catalysed the children's literature ecosystem towards encouraging joyful reading. This year, Parag received books from 23 Indian publishers, published between October, 2020 to September, 2021 with over 200 entries, 38 of which were in English and 9 books Hindi across genres we selected.

Amrita Patwardhan, Head of Education at Tata Trusts, shared her views on the initiative, she said, “With the number of books being published for children on the rise, it is important to help readers including librarians and parents with recommendations of good books. The Parag Honour List is a first of its kind effort in India, of an annual independently curated list of noteworthy books published in Hindi and English across genre and age-groups. An Independent jury with a deep understanding of children’s literature reviews a number of entries and curates PHL.”

As part of the criteria for creating the Parag Honour List, all leading publishers of children’s books are requested to submit their select titles for review. In turn the books are reviewed by a panel of eminent educationists and bibliophiles, with the very best finding their way to the Parag Honour List.

The jury for the English language category comprised of Anita Balasubramanian, co-founder of The Learning Network, Jeeva Raghunath, Author and Storyteller; and Manjiri Nimbkar, Author, Illustrator and Medical Doctor

Speaking on the book list Manjiri said, “This effort by Parag to curate the best books through a rigorous exploration is a truly laudable undertaking. The books in this list handle diverse topics and are beautifully crafted. Some are funny and entertaining while others handle delicate issues very sensitively while still others introduce the reader to the life's work of contemporary heroes."

Esteemed members of the jury in the Hindi language category were Arun Kamal, Poet and Essayist, Gurbachan Singh, Executive Editor of Azim Premji University’s -Paathshaala Bhitar Aur Bahar and Prachi Kalra, Associate Professor, Gargi College, Delhi University

Prachi Kalra added, “The Parag Honour List is about the pleasure of binge reading! Just drown yourself in the best books.

Kedaara Owned GAVS Technologies And GS Lab To Join Forces To Create A Leading Digital Product Engineering, AI-Led Digital Platform

TECNO Steps Into The 5G Segment With POVA 5G Special Manchester City Edition

·         Priced at INR 19,999, POVA 5G is the Fastest 5G smartphone in sub-20K offering MediaTek Dimensity 900 and a massive 6000 mAh Battery

·         First 1500 consumers can avail free complimentary power bank worth INR 1999 with purchase of POVA 5G

·         POVA 5G will be available on Amazon, starting February 14, 2022

TECNO Mobile, the global premium smartphone brand from TRANSSION India, today enters the 5G segment by launching its latest smartphone POVA 5G. A special edition in Aether Black color, Tecno POVA 5G flaunts the proud logo of leading football club Manchester City FC (Man City) on its back. TECNO is the Official Tablet and Handset Partner of Manchester City and the association shares and synergizes the ethos of Speed, Power and Performance. TECNO POVA 5G mirrors these ethos in its best-in-class features. Power packed with eye-catching design, Super-Fast 5G Dimensity 900 processor, Ultra-fast LPDDR5 8GB + 3GB Virtual RAM and 6.9 FHD+ Dot-in display with 120Hz refresh rate, TECNO POVA 5G is a first in its category. POVA series is a performance-oriented product line of TECNO that offers more powerful smartphone experience.

As 5G technology continues to dominate the smart phones segment, the year 2022 is predicted to be a breakthrough year for 5G smartphones. As per the findings of industry analysts, the resilient smartphone sector is estimated to witness 190-200 million shipments in the year 2022, with 5G devices claiming a major chunk in the segment. With a strong foothold in the budget smartphone category, TECNO pans its focus on the mid-to-high range category, with POVA 5G. Catering to the demands of the Zillennial consumers, the Fastest 5G smartphone is infused with the best-in-class hardware specifications with astounding software capabilities, an in-built Partner Game Engine Technology, bringing forth the ultimate mobile gaming and multi-media entertainment experiences.

Commenting on the launch, Arijeet Talapatra, CEO of TRANSSION India said, “India is third largest 5G smartphone market globally as per Counterpoint and there’s a lot of pent-up demand for 5G. In view of the market potential, the launch of POVA 5G is a part of TECNO’s growth strategy. With this launch we’re foraying into the 5G category and are in the process of creating a complete 5G portfolio in the POVA product line. The idea is to make premium experiences reasonably priced and accessible to more and more people.”

“Moreover, TECNO has cherished a long association with the current Premier League Champions, Manchester City, since 2017. This association has been incredibly successful as TECNO and Man City follow similar values of holding consumers and audiences at the highest pedestal that reflects in our unique mobile experiences and their exceptional matches every day.” He added.    

The feature packed Tecno POVA 5G smartphone is priced at INR. 19,999/- and first 1500 customers will win a complimentary power bank worth INR. 1,999/-. The first sale begins on 14th February 2022 only on Amazon.

Key USPs of TECNO POVA 5G:

·         Fastest 5G Smartphone with MediaTek  Dimensity 900

Enjoy dual 5G with 11 5G bands and seamless app switching with MediaTek Dimensity 900 processor at 2.4GHz clock speed with an ultra-efficient advanced fabrication with 6nm Processor and ultra-efficient battery life. The smartphone will give users the benefits of powerful computing, outstanding imaging capacity and more stable gaming. Additionally, both the 5G SIM cards will improve network connectivity and lower power consumption. WiFi 6 will support a more reliable and faster WiFi network. Currently, TECNO POVA 5G is the fastest smartphone in the segment basis AnTuTu score 481659.

·         Ultra-fast performance with 11GB RAM

LPDDR5 next-gen RAM brings a new dimension of speed to POVA 5G. The new POVA 5G flaunts 8GB LPDDR5 RAM that can be further expanded by 3GB using memory fusion technology for an overall RAM of 11GB. The LPDDR5 memory supports writing and reading speeds of up to 5500 Mbps. 11GB RAM outshines your power and performance requirements on POVA 5G. Experience the next level of speed and performance with heavier games and apps. Featuring internal storage with a capacity of 128GB UFS 3.1, which can be expanded to 512GB by way of a dedicated memory card slot  

·         Futuristic design with innovative texture and 6000 mAh powerful battery

Kevlar texture design at the back gives unique feel and has an exquisite appearance with double film lamination technology and exquisite texture. With 6000mAh, get an outstanding 32 days standby time, 55 hours Calling Time and 183 hours Music playback on POVA 5G with improved AI battery lab 2.1. Its 18W Type C fast charger that charges 50% of the battery in just 33 minutes.

·         Large display for a widened vision, Immersive Experience with a 120hz smooth refresh rate

The POVA 5G large 6.9" FHD+Dot-in display is perfect for binge-watching. The 91% screen-to-body ratio and the 20.5:9 aspect ratio provide better palm entertainment. The smartphone has a higher 120Hz refresh rate which enables users to enjoy a more fluid mobile experience. With a 180Hz touch sampling rate, POVA 5G performs exceptionally well in all types of games. Faster touch response makes for more efficient operations.

·         A re-envisioned 50MP camera with Super Night Mode

POVA 5G clicks brilliant images and shoots professional-grade videos with its 50MP triple rear camera setup. F1.6 Large aperture and Tecno Optimized Software outperform in Super Night Mode. Various user-driven modes take photography to a new level. It’s a 50MP f/1.6 wide lens cluster. Night Mode and EIS features will be preloaded. With POVA 5G users can take memorable selfies in different modes, such as Wide Selfie, AI Portrait, AI Beauty and more. The POVA 5G’s camera offers strong video features, hosting 4K Time-lapse, 960FPS Slow Motion, Video Stabilization, Video Bokeh, Video Beauty and many other unique video shoot modes to enable users to shoot pro-level videos.

The 16MP Selfie Camera also has Dual Flashlight which enables users to click beautiful selfies in low light conditions.

·         Smoother functioning with HiOS 8.0 based on Android 11

POVA 5G come with so many unique localized features that include Visha Player, Master of Language (MOL), Video Editor, Smart Cards, App Turbo 2.0, Vault 2.0, Smart Panel 2.0, Kids Mode, Social Turbo (to improve WA experience), with video assistant, photo compressor, Ultra battery saver, Anti-theft mode and more.

·         Game Mode 2.0 Panther Game Engine

Panther Engine predicts the game arithmetic per frame and reasonably allocates CPU arithmetic power through machine learning which reduces heat, power consumption and frame loss rate. Users get a superb immersive experience. Improved Game Space 2.0 has better UI and control. For better gaming experience Users can unable the Eye Care option, Anti-addiction reminder, Lying posture tips, and many other health modes with a Z-axis linear vibration motor for strong vibrations to offer a unique experience while playing games.

More features like Splash resistant of up to IPX2 rating to prevent water damage, SOPLAY 2.0 to produce custom music, DTS enhanced powerful speaker to experience high quality audio sound for an unparalleled music experience. Furthermore, a smart side fingerprint sensor that unlocks the device in only 0.2 seconds and can perform other functions like accept calls, click pictures and dismiss alarm.

Mango Point Raises 1.82 Crore In A Round Led By The Chennai Angels

The Chennai Angels (TCA), one of India’s foremost angel investment groups, today announced their investment in Mangopoint, a company that focuses on preserving and promoting high-quality mangoes and mango products from India. TCA has associated with Native Angel Network and Keiretsu Chennai for their first round of investment in Mangopoint. The total fundraise stands at Rs1.82 crore, with TCA leading the round. 

Mangopoint was founded in 2018 by Manjula Gandhi Rooban and Prasanna Venkatarathnam with the vision of taking India’s national fruit Mango on the world stage through fresh mangoes and value-added products.

MangoPoint provides a sustainable Integrated value chain for mangoes with single-origin, carbide-free, chemical-free high-quality fresh mangoes, and processed mango products through sustainable farming, planet-friendly processing, and eco-friendly packaging. Their state-of-the-art farm infrastructure coupled with an integration platform provides ethical products delivered to doorsteps with complete transparency and traceability. Mangopoint sells over 20 mango varieties and has thus far delivered more than 500,000 mangoes to over 20,000 happy customers.

"We, the promoters, of Mangopoint are delighted by the confidence reposed on us by The Chennai Angels, Native Angel Network, and Keiretsu Forum. The mentorship, support, network, and visibility that these networks and individual investors bring to us is as important as their investment. As the world turns towards a healthier lifestyle - safe and natural products, our range of hand-picked naturally ripened Mangoes and value-added products has struck a true chord with our customers. The funds raised will be utilized for adopting latest technologies for pre and post-harvest management through early detection, action and in picking the best Fresh Mangoes and products made thereof for our customers; and for expanding our presence in India and key global markets" said Manjula Gandhi Rooban, Co-Founder Mangopoint.

Balakrishnan Ranganathan, Lead Investor from The Chennai Angels (CMD, Excelencia iTech Consulting) said “started by GenX IT professionals from a traditional mango trader family, Mangopoint, promotes and markets Indian mangoes and consumables across the world. Their mission is to market naturally ripened mangoes without the calcium carbide chemical that is used for ripening. We, at The Chennai Angels, believe in their vision and are thrilled to participle in this round of funding. We’re extremely happy to take Mangopoint on as a TCA portfolio company and are eager to see them scale higher in the years ahead.”

Rajan Srikanth, Co-President, Keiretsu Chennai (Chairman & MD of SmartKapital) added “We have not seen any organized business that is catering to the passion of mango. Not just as an investor, but also as a customer who orders regularly from Mangopoint, I have firsthand knowledge of the quality of products and services offered by Mangopoint. In Manjula and Prasanna, we find entrepreneurs who understand what the customer wants - a key factor to the success of any retail business. What attracted me most to Mangopoint is how they leverage tech to build excellence into every aspect of their business, from sourcing to customer delight.”

Madhu Vasudevan, Karur-based textile entrepreneur, agriculture enthusiast, and Lead Investor from Native Angel Network said "All of us are enthusiastic about our investment opportunity in the growth story of Mango Point (Shriven). Manjula and Prasanna, have exhibited great insight, planning ability, and execution track record in their journey so far. The participation by three diverse investment networks in the company is indeed the validation of the sector and the business model and also an endorsement of the confidence in the promoter team. I wish them all success!"

The Chennai Angels

The Chennai Angels (TCA, www.thechennaiangels.com) is one of India’s most active Angel Investing groups. Founded in the year 2007, it is comprised of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders with a track record of starting and scaling large enterprises. Over the years, TCA has invested in over 60 start-ups. TCA portfolio companies benefit from the collective expertise and rolodex of its members.

Prisoners’ Access To Courts And Hospitals Fell By 65% And 24%, As Per Official Data In Prison Statistics India, 2020

Data analysis by India Justice Report shows:

* Visit of Inmates to Courts: 1,549,711 down from 4,451,679 Visit of Inmates for Medical Attendance: 362,923 down from 477,456

* Jails with VC Facility: 69% up from 60%

* Share of undertrial prisoners: Up from 69% to 76%

Access of prisoners to courts fell by 65%, and to hospitals by 24%, according to the Prison Statistics India (PSI) 2020, the latest official statistics on the state of India’s prisons and their inmates, published in December 2021. The PSI is periodically published by the National Crime Records Bureau, an entity of the Government of India. PSI 2020 presents data from January 2020 to December 2020.

The India Justice Report (IJR), which, since 2019, has been reporting on justice delivery in India, has analysed PSI 2020. The analysis shows prisoners’ visits to courts came down nearly a third, from about 44.5 lakhs in 2019 to 15.5 lakhs in 2020. Impacted too was inmates’ access to health services, with the number of visits, made by prisoners for medical attendance, declining from 4.77 lakh in 2019 to 3.63 lakh visits in 2020. Visits by medical personnel to prisons also reduced from 24,524 in 2019 to 20,871 in 2020, while visits by judicial officers nearly halved to 9,257 in 2020 from 16,178 in 2019.

Ms. Maja Daruwala, Chief Editor of the India Justice Report, said, “The status of essential capacities decides the efficacy of the pillars of the justice system to deliver to the standards they have set for themselves. The PSI 2020 presents a grim picture of the state of prisons through the pandemic. Despite the many efforts to decongest these institutions, and minimise the risks of contagion inherent in these overcrowded places, their overall condition has not improved.”  

Overcrowding: About 9 lakh more arrests were made in 2020, and, taken at December 2020 in terms of absolute numbers, the prison population grew 1.5% from 481,387 to 488,511 inmates. The annual increase is particularly worrying; given that 2020 was a Covid year when a slew of decongestion efforts were being implemented across the nation. However, the total number of people entering and leaving prisons in the course of the year fell from 19.02 lakhs in 2019 to 16.31 lakhs in 2020.

As of December 2020, nationally, overcrowding stood at 18%, a marginal reduction of 2 percentage points from the previous year. This figure is the national average across 1,306 prisons. In nine[1] states overcrowding rates are more than the national average.

Much of this overcrowding is accounted for by the presence of ‘undertrials’. Their share has increased from 69% in Dec 2019 to 76% in Dec 2020; showing that for every 1 convicted prisoner, there are 3 people in custody awaiting ‘investigation, inquiry or trial’. This follows a long-term trend. Five years ago, in 2016, undertrials accounted for 68% of the prison population. As with all preceding years, a majority of prisoners come from amongst the poor and illiterate. Besides chronic overcrowding, other long term comorbidities in the prison system have persisted and indeed worsened.

1 in 3 staff positions vacant: Across the country and despite this period traversing a pandemic, the shortage of medical officers and staff continues; and, in some states, their numbers have, in fact, gone down. Nationally, vacancies among medical staff and officers stand at about 33%, which means 1 in every 3 posts has not been filled. There were 797 medical officers in the country’s prisons to serve nearly 489,000 inmates. On average, this means each medical officer was looking after 613 inmates. However, the Model Prison Manual 2016 requires there to be 1 medical officer for every 300 inmates. The sanctioned strength in 17 states[2] does not meet this criterion. Only 9 states[3] have managed to reduce their medical officer vacancies.

From January to December 2020, total deaths went from 1764 in the previous year to 1887. The deaths remain categorised as ‘natural’ ‘unnatural’ and ‘cause not known’, and deaths related to Covid have not been disaggregated.

Video-conferencing facilities: The average number of prisons equipped with a video conferencing facility rose from 60% in 2019 to 69% in 2020. 13 states/UTs[4] had 100% coverage across their prisons. In contrast, 6 states/UTs[5] had less than half of their prisons equipped with this facility. Tamil Nadu, with 142 prisons, had only 10% or 14 jails with a V-C facility. None of Lakshadweep’s 4 prisons had this facility available.

About the India Justice Report:

The India Justice Report is brought out by a collective of organisations working towards the reform of the justice sector as a whole. They are Centre for Social Justice, Common Cause, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, DAKSH, TISS–Prayas, Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy and How India Lives. It is supported by Tata Trusts, Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and the Tree of Life Foundation. The maiden IJR was published in 2019. For further details please visit: https://www.tatatrusts.org/insights/survey-reports/india-justice-report