The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has expressed serious concern over the poor implementation of the “Support to Poor Prisoners” scheme, which was launched in May 2023 to aid underprivileged inmates languishing in jails due to their inability to pay bail or fines.
In a communication addressed to Principal Secretaries and Director Generals/Inspectors General of Prisons across all States and Union Territories, the MHA as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust has noted that despite clear guidelines and funds being made available, the scheme remains largely unimplemented in most regions.
The scheme aims to extend financial support to eligible prisoners who are unable to secure release solely due to financial hardship. It mandates the formation of Empowered Committees at the district level and Oversight Committees at the state level to identify beneficiaries and sanction funds accordingly.
The ministry has highlighted that while a few states and UTs have taken action, the majority have neither identified eligible prisoners nor held regular committee meetings. Consequently, the allocated funds remain unutilized.
“Effective implementation of the scheme can not only help the poor but also reduce overcrowding in prisons,” the MHA noted, urging state authorities to act swiftly and hold regular Empowered Committee meetings.
The letter, signed by Director (Prison Reforms) Arun Sobti, reiterates the Centre’s appeal for coordinated efforts to deliver justice to those trapped in jails due to poverty, underlining the humanitarian and administrative value of the initiative. [KNT]
