To make sure that even the underprivileged inmates get fair humane support and access to justice, the Haryana government has issued fresh directions for the effective and immediate implementation of the support to poor prisoners’ scheme.
Haryana’s Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sumita Misra has asked officials, including the director general of prisons, deputy commissioners, and district magistrates of the state, to take proactive and time-bound steps as per the guidelines and standard operating procedures set by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
As per the new directions, every district will have an empowered committee. This committee will include the district magistrate, secretary of the district legal services authority, superintendent of police, superintendent/deputy superintendent of the concerned prison, and judge incharge of the concerned prison, as nominee of the district judge.
The panel will identify, assess and facilitate financial help to poor prisoners who can’t afford bail or pay fines.
Misra further said each committee will also appoint a nodal officer who will work with civil society representative, social worker, or district probation officers to ensure that deserving prisoners get the required help quickly.
Misra said that the prisons department and all district magistrates have been ordered to hold regular meetings to review progress. Jail visits will also be
conducted to spread awareness about the scheme among staff and inmates and accurate lists of eligible prisoners will be prepared.
All deputy commissioners have been asked to send a report within 15 days showing what steps have been taken.
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