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 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.
The "Support to Poor Prisoners" scheme, introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), provides financial assistance to poor prisoners who are unable to pay fines or secure bail. The scheme aims to help these individuals obtain release from prison, addressing issues like overcrowding and providing relief to marginalized prisoners. In the year 2023 MHA allocated Rs 20 cr fund under the scheme to be spent under various heads identified in the scheme. This step was taken to provide relief to poor prisoners who are either unable to pay fine imposed on them or are unable to secure bail due to financial constraints.
Through this, MHA had directed that authorities concerned will enable underprivileged prisoners, majority of whom belong to socially disadvantaged or marginalised groups with lower education and income levels, to get out of prison. Besides, it was stated
this will solve the problem of overcrowding in jails.
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