Representatives of NGOs called on Singh on Saturday with several suggestions for improving conditions in jails. The meeting was also attended by government officials and jail superintendents.

There were many suggestions. Svajan, an NGO, has offered to impart computer education to inmates of Sabarmati Central Jail. It has even offered to install computers at the jail on its own. Another NGO, Viklang Kendra of Unvarsad, has offered to rehabilitate at least 10 prisoners from any of the bigger jails in the state. This offer was greeted with a round of applause.

And a Vadodara-based NGO has offered to bring up the seven children of two women prisoners of Vadodara Central Jail. Its representative said, ``My organisation will nourish and educate these kids, aged two to five years, till their mothers are released.''

Expressing concern over the pathetic conditions at the Surendranagar jail, the representative of yet another NGO said his organisation was ready to provide health and sanitation facilities to the inmates. The organisation has also offered to educate prisoners, should its social workers be allowed to visit the jail regularly.

To this Singh said that workers of NGOs committed to improve prisoners' lives would be allowed to visit jails. Singh promptly instructed the jail officials present to bear in mind that NGO workers shouldn't be hindered if they were working to improve conditions in jails.

The minister even went to the extent of conceding the plea of Shashikant Dave of Nutan Abhigam Trust to file public interest litigation (PIL) if undertrials were harassed.

Gagan Shethi of Jan Vikas sought permission for distribution of a booklet informing convicts and undertrials of their rights. The minister was quick to grant permission. The booklet has been prepared by advocate R.K. Shah of the Samajik Nyay Kendra, which provides legal aid to the poor.

Representatives of most NGOs complained that convicts were underpaid for their labours in prison. While convicts in Punjab are paid Rs 54 daily, the daily wage in Gujarat jails is Rs 12-14.

``This is mockery,'' said Singh. ``I am committed to raise the wage. Not only this, undertrials should also be encouraged to work and earn wages.''