Haryana Unveils Swift Relief for Indigent Prisoners: Revised Guidelines to Ease Financial Burden | India News
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In a significant move to alleviate the financial struggles of underprivileged prisoners, the Haryana government has introduced revised guidelines for its 'Support to Poor Prisoners' scheme. The initiative aims to provide timely assistance to economically weak inmates unable to pay court-imposed fines or secure bail due to financial constraints. According to Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Dr Sumita Misra, the revised framework establishes stringent timelines and institutional mechanisms to ensure swift relief to deserving inmates. The scheme seeks to reduce overcrowding in prisons and provide financial assistance to those in need. Under the revised guidelines, district-level empowered committees will be formed to review and approve cases. These committees will comprise representatives from the district collector's office, district legal services authority, police department, prison administration, and the judiciary. A state-level oversight committee will also be established to provide supervision and ensure effective implementation. For undertrial prisoners unable to secure bail due to financial constraints, assistance up to ₹50,000 per case will be provided. In exceptional circumstances, amounts up to ₹1 lakh can be approved. For convicted prisoners unable to pay court-imposed fines, assistance up to ₹25,000 can be sanctioned. The entire process, from initial assessment and verification of the prisoner's financial condition to fund release and court deposit, has been structured to be completed within a clearly defined timeframe. The scheme includes necessary safeguards to prevent misuse, excluding individuals accused of serious offenses such as corruption, money laundering, and terrorism-related crimes. The Haryana government's revised guidelines aim to provide timely and effective relief to indigent prisoners, ensuring that those in need receive the necessary support to regain their freedom.
