Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme
The Union government has expressed concern over the underutilization of funds by States/Union Territories allocated for providing relief to poor prisoners unable to secure bail due to financial constraints.
Concerns Raised by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
- The MHA has consistently highlighted the importance of the scheme during video conferences with States/UTs, emphasizing its potential to bring relief to financially constrained prisoners.
- Despite repeated follow-ups, many States/UTs have not identified eligible prisoners or provided them with benefits under the scheme.
Implementation of the Scheme
- Introduced in May 2023, the scheme includes detailed guidelines and a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for implementation.
- States/UTs were instructed to establish:
- Empowered Committees in each district.
- Oversight Committees at the State headquarters level.
The committees are responsible for sanctioning financial aid to eligible prisoners, aimed at mitigating their problems and reducing prison overcrowding.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- If a prisoner is not released within a week after bail is granted, jail authorities must inform the Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA).
- The DLSA will investigate whether the prisoner can afford financial surety and will present such cases to the District Level Empowered Committee every two to three weeks.
- The Empowered Committee may recommend relief up to ₹40,000 per case.
Exclusions
The scheme does not provide benefits to those accused under certain Acts, including:
- Prevention of Corruption Act
- Prevention of Money Laundering Act
- Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act
- Unlawful Activities Prevention Act