Support to Poor Prisoners’ Scheme
The Government of India has expressed concern over the underutilisation of funds allocated to assist poor prisoners who cannot secure bail due to financial difficulties. This initiative, known as the ‘Support to Poor Prisoners’ Scheme’, was introduced in May 2023. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has urged states and union territories (UTs) to identify eligible prisoners and utilise the funds effectively.
Background
The ‘Support to Poor Prisoners’ Scheme aims to provide financial aid to prisoners unable to secure bail because of their inability to pay fines. The MHA has allocated funds through the Central Nodal Agency to assist these prisoners. The initiative seeks to alleviate the financial burdens faced by undertrial prisoners.
Implementation Guidelines
The MHA issued detailed guidelines and a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the scheme’s implementation. States and UTs are required to establish an ‘Empowered Committee’ at the district level and an ‘Oversight Committee’ at the state level. These committees are responsible for evaluating and sanctioning financial assistance to eligible prisoners.
Process of Identification
Under the SOP, if an undertrial prisoner is not released within a week after bail is granted, jail authorities must inform the Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority. This authority will investigate the prisoner’s financial status. Cases are then reviewed by the Empowered Committee, which can recommend relief of up to ₹40,000 per case.
Exclusions from the Scheme
Certain categories of prisoners are excluded from this scheme. Individuals accused under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, and other specified laws are not eligible for financial assistance.
Current Status of Fund Utilisation
Despite the availability of funds, many states and UTs have failed to identify eligible prisoners. The MHA has noted that the overall implementation of the scheme remains unsatisfactory. Some states have utilised the funds, but many have not taken adequate steps to support the initiative.
Impact on Prison Overcrowding
The MHA emphasised that effective implementation of this scheme could help reduce overcrowding in prisons. The India Justice Report 2025 brought into light that the national average occupancy rate in jails exceeds 131%. A percentage of prisoners are undertrials, contributing to the overcrowding crisis.
Future Projections
The prison population in India is expected to reach 6.8 lakh by 2030, while jail capacity is projected to increase only to 5.15 lakh. This imbalance puts stress on the urgent need for effective measures to assist poor prisoners and alleviate overcrowding.
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