The West Bengal government has announced the release of 45 life-sentenced prisoners, a decision described by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as a recognition of their good conduct during years of imprisonment.
Emphasising the role of correctional facilities, CM Mamata said that their purpose is not just to punish offenders but also to reform them and reintegrate them into the mainstream of society. “These released prisoners will become good citizens in their new and free life — only then will our efforts be successful,” she said.
According to officials, the release follows the same process adopted earlier in July, when three life convicts from Midnapore central correctional facility were freed on the recommendation of the State Sentence Review Board. This time, too, the board approved the release based on the prisoners’ disciplined lifestyle and positive behaviour behind bars.
Since the TMC came to power in 2011, a total of 840 life convicts have been released across the state. The prison department maintains that correctional homes are not merely centres of confinement but institutions of reform and the latest decision reflects that policy.
The move has triggered widespread discussion. While some have welcomed it as a humane gesture, others view it as an important step toward prisoner rehabilitation and social reintegration.
“The initiative will also inspire other inmates to adopt disciplined conduct in hopes of a second chance,” said an official of Correctional Home department, adding, “For the released prisoners, the decision marks the beginning of a new chapter — a chance to leave behind years of incarceration and embrace freedom. As they return to society, the success of the initiative will ultimately depend on how well they are accepted and how effectively they can rebuild their lives.”
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