The Jharkhand state government is planning to implement a new system for inmates in Jharkhand prisons.
According to reports, select inmates will be allowed to step outside the jail during the daytime to work and earn a living before they return to the prison by evening.
The system is to be introduced through open and semi-open barracks in four central jails in the state: Birsa Munda Central Jail in Ranchi, Jai Prakash Narayan Central Jail in Hazaribagh, Ghaghidih Central Jail in East Singhbhum, and Dumka Central Jail.
The barracks and cells in the jails have been identified for conversion.
The open prison systems, which do not have traditional high walls, barbed wire, and armed guards, were introduced by the Supreme Court to help inmates focus on reformation and rehabilitation.
"Under the open or semi-open barrack system, prisoners will be allowed to go out at 6 or 7 am to work and earn for their families and will return to jail after about 12 hours. Since these jails are in urban areas, prisoners will have good opportunities to earn a living," IG (Prisons) Sudarshan Mandal said on Saturday.
The initiative was approved by the state cabinet through a government resolution.
The move also follows the Sc’s direction in the Suhas Chakma vs Union of India case amid concerns of prison congestion. The directive asks states to set up Open correctional institutions in states that do not have them.
In states where separate OCI’s are not feasible, they were advised to create open or semi-open barracks within the existing prisons.
“A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be created to determine which prisoners are eligible for this program. Good behaviour and adherence to prison rules will be the main criteria for eligibility," Mandal said.
