Implementation of the ‘Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme’
No: -- Dated: Feb, 09 2024
Implementation of the ‘Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme’
As you are aware, as part of the Government’s priority in ‘reaching the lastmile: no one to be left behind’, the Ministry of Home Affairs had framed the ‘Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme’ in May last year with a view to provide relief to poor prisoners,who are either unable to pay the fine imposed on them or are unable to secure bail due to financial constraints. Many of such prisoners are socially disadvantaged or belong to low-income groups. It is expected that providing financial aid to such poor prisoners may help them in paying their outstanding amount of fine or in securing bail, within the ambit of provisions of law, and they will be able to come out of jail and join the main stream as a responsible citizen of the country.
2. Hon’ble Home Minister had written to the Chief Ministers of all States and UTs on 23rd May, 2023 informing them about this scheme and had requested them to take full advantage of this Central Government initiative. It was informed that expenditure in this regard will be fully borne by the Central Government. Subsequently, the Union Home Secretary vide his letter dated 19th June, 2023 addressed to the Chief Secretaries of all States and UTs had forwarded the ‘Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedure’ which may be followed in implementation of the scheme. It was emphasised that this scheme will go a long way in not only mitigating the problems faced by poor prisoners but will also help in solving the problem of overcrowding in prisons.
3. The Guidelines and SOP forwarded to the States and UTs envisage constitution of an ‘Empowered Committee’ in every District of the State/UT and constitution of an ‘Oversight Committee’ at the State/UT Headquarter level. The Ministry of Home Affairs, through VC meetings held with the State/UT representatives, has been emphasising upon early constitution of such Committees by the States and UTs and for identifying prisoners who can be given the benefit of this scheme. While some States/UTs have confirmed the constitution of the Committees, many States/UTs are yet to provide a confirmation in this regard. You are requested to kindly take urgent steps to complete this activity in a time bound manner.