Jamshedpur activist questions delay in ‘Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme’ implementation

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, Dec 2: Jawaharlal Sharma, a prominent human rights activist from Jamshedpur, has raised concerns over the prolonged detention of undertrial prisoners in jails across the country, particularly those who are poor and unable to afford legal representation. In a letter to the Chief Secretary of Jharkhand, Sharma has asked under the Right to Information Act about the status of the ‘Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme,’ which aims to provide financial assistance to help release undertrials and cover their legal expenses.

Sharma questioned whether the scheme has been implemented in all districts of Jharkhand, inquiring about its commencement, disbursement of funds, and the number of beneficiaries. He has also sought clarity on the reasons for the scheme’s non-implementation, if applicable, and requested a timeline for its rollout, specifically asking if bank accounts have been opened in all districts for this purpose.

In his letter, Sharma highlighted a notification from the Home Ministry of the Government of India, which was sent to ensure that poor undertrial prisoners can be freed from jail or afford legal services under the scheme. Sharma, citing his knowledge, believes the scheme has not yet been implemented in Jharkhand. He has urged the Chief Secretary to respond by December 10, in time for International Human Rights Day.

Sharma emphasized the importance of this scheme in alleviating the burden on the state’s overcrowded prisons and ensuring justice for the poor. The issue of undertrial prisoners has also been raised by President Draupadi Murmu, further stressing the urgency of addressing the matter.