Centre revises guidelines to help poor prisoners unable to pay fines, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The Union Home Ministry has revised guidelines for the 'Support to Poor Prisoners' scheme due to inadequate implementation by States/UTs.
• The scheme, launched in 2023, aims to aid indigent prisoners unable to pay fines or bail sureties.
• Revised guidelines mandate fixed timelines and involvement of senior officials for effective execution.
• District-level Empowered Committees will now include nominees from the District Collector and District Judge.
• Financial assistance of up to ₹25,000 can be sanctioned to facilitate the release of eligible prisoners.
• The scheme excludes those accused under Acts like PMLA, NDPS, UAPA, and heinous crimes.

Detailed Insights:

• The revised guidelines aim to strengthen institutional mechanisms for swift execution and reduce prison overcrowding.
• When a prisoner is unable to pay a fine, the Jail Superintendent must inform the DLSA Secretary within a week.
• The DLSA Secretary verifies the prisoner's financial status and recommends the case to the Empowered Committee.
• The scheme excludes individuals accused of offenses under the Prevention of Corruption Act and other notified laws.
• Those accused of terrorism, offenses affecting national security, dowry deaths, rape, and human trafficking are also excluded.
• The Empowered Committee scrutinizes and approves eligible cases at the district level.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Indigent Prisoner: A prisoner who is unable to afford legal representation or pay fines/bail due to poverty.
• District Legal Services Authority (DLSA): An organization that provides free legal aid and services at the district level.
• Empowered Committee: A committee responsible for making decisions and implementing the 'Support to Poor Prisoners' scheme at the district level.