Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme: Is It Implemented Across Jharkhand?

Activist Jawaharlal Sharma Files RTI Query to State Chief Secretary

Key Points:

• RTI query questions implementation of Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme in Jharkhand.
• Human rights activist Jawaharlal Sharma highlights plight of poor undertrial prisoners.
• Scheme aims to provide legal and financial aid for poor inmates’ release and justice.

Jamshedpur – Human rights activist Jawaharlal Sharma has filed an RTI query with the Jharkhand Chief Secretary, seeking clarity on the implementation of the Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme across the state.

Sharma’s query addresses whether the scheme, aimed at aiding poor undertrial prisoners, has been operationalized in all districts, when it was initiated, and how many beneficiaries have been aided. He also inquired about the reasons for its delay if not implemented and the measures to expedite its rollout.

Plight of Undertrial Prisoners

Indian jails are overcrowded with millions of undertrial prisoners, many of whom remain incarcerated due to financial constraints preventing them from hiring legal representation. This situation, Sharma argues, violates basic human rights.

In a letter accompanying the RTI, Sharma referenced a Ministry of Home Affairs notification (Ref. No. 17013/26/2023PR) underscoring the need for financial assistance to help such prisoners secure legal representation or pay fines for release. He stated that, to his knowledge, the scheme is yet to be implemented in Jharkhand.

National Concerns and Call for Action

President Droupadi Murmu has previously expressed concern over the rising number of undertrial prisoners in India. Highlighting this, Sharma emphasized the urgency of the scheme, suggesting that its implementation would significantly reduce the number of prisoners and ensure justice for the marginalized.

Sharma also urged the Chief Secretary to respond before International Human Rights Day on December 10, reiterating the significance of the scheme in protecting human rights. He lamented the state’s delay in adopting the initiative, calling it a missed opportunity to address a pressing issue.