In India, many people are in jail because they cannot afford the bail application fee. This is a big problem, as it increases the number of prisoners in our jail. In order to relieve the burden on prisons, the central government has decided to launch a special programme to provide financial assistance to poor prisoners who cannot afford the fine or bail. Read more to understand this scheme and its benefits.

What Is The Poor Prisoners Scheme?

According to the National Crime Records Bureau, in 2020, around 76% of people in Indian prisons were minors. Of these, about 68% were either illiterate or school dropouts.

To solve this issue and help marginalised people, the Ministry of Home Affairs introduced the Poor Prisoners Scheme. Besides, an empowered committee at the district level and an oversight committee at the headquarters level are set up to identify prisoners and provide financial assistance to them. The National Crime Records Bureau has been designated as the focal point for this programme.

Benefits Of The Poor Prisoner Scheme

• This programme assists poor prisoners who are unable to pay fines or obtain bail due to financial issues.

• Awareness-raising and capacity-building of stakeholders to ensure that quality legal aid is provided to needy prisoners.

• The funding mechanism includes direct disbursements to the courts for the payment of fines or bail.

• This project aims to computerise the functioning of prisons in the country.

• A portal, Kara Bazaar, has been set up to showcase and sell products made by prisoners.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply For The Poor Prisoner Assistance Programme?** **

The Ministry has instructed prison wardens to utilise the funds for poor prisoners who are unable to pay fines or post bail due to economic problems.

To be eligible for this programme, the following criteria are required:

Prisoners On Remand

• If the remand prisoner is not released from prison within 7 days of bail being granted, the prison authority will inform the Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA).

• The Secretary of the DLSA will check whether the prisoner is unable to provide financial security for bail under the bail conditions.

• The Secretary of the DLSA will submit all such cases to the District Level Empowered Committee every 2–3 weeks. After consideration of such cases, the Empowered Committee recommends that the identified poor prisoner be eligible for financial assistance under the Poor Prisoners Assistance Programme.

Convicted Prisoners

• If a convict cannot be released because he has not paid his fine, the superintendent shall immediately inform the secretary of DLSA (7 days in advance).

• The Secretary of the DLSA investigates the prisoner's financial situation with the help of the district social worker, NGOs, the district probation officer, and the Revenue Officer, who are mandated to cooperate with the Secretary of the DLSA.

• The authorised committee will approve the release of the fine up to an amount of Rs. 25,000 to be deposited with the court to secure the release of the prisoner.

• For any amount above Rs. 25,000, the proposal may be approved by the State Level Oversight Committee.

How To Apply For Poor Prisoner Assistance Programmes?

• Prisoners cannot apply directly for this programme. There is a standard operating procedure to apply for this programme.

• Committees will be established at the district and headquarters levels to collect data on eligible prisoners.

• The National Crime Records Bureau will coordinate the implementation of the programme.

Conclusion

The Poor Prisoners Programme is a big step towards helping illiterate and poor prisoners. The government has allocated 20 crore rupees for this programme. People who have been in jail for so many years can now get bail and help from the authorities themselves.

If you'd like more information on the assistance available through the poor prisoner scheme, please contact cna.aroup@ismar.nic.in or call 011-26735637. For more information read the following notification from MHA.

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