Haryana Advances Compassionate Justice with Swift Rollout of ‘Support to Poor Prisoners’ Scheme
Chandigarh, July 24, 2025 — Haryana’s Additional Chief Secretary for Home, Jails, Criminal Investigation and Administration of Justice, Dr. Sumita Misra, has issued detailed directives to expedite the implementation of the ‘Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme’ across all districts. This move aims to provide timely financial assistance to underprivileged inmates, ensuring equitable access to justice and humane treatment.
Following guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) established by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, Dr. Misra has instructed the Director General of Prisons, Deputy Commissioners, and District Magistrates statewide to take proactive, time-bound actions aligned with the scheme’s objectives.
Under these orders, each district will form an Empowered Committee consisting of the District Magistrate, Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, Superintendent of Police, relevant prison officials, and the Judge appointed by the District Judge. The committee’s role will be to identify and assess poor prisoners unable to pay fines or secure bail, facilitating swift financial assistance.
To enhance implementation, a Nodal Officer will be appointed by each committee, which may also engage civil society members, social workers, or the District Probation Officer to assist with case processing and ensure timely delivery of support to eligible inmates.
Further directives require the Prisons Department and District Magistrates to convene regular committee meetings, conduct prison visits, raise awareness about the scheme among jail personnel and prisoners, and maintain accurate beneficiary records.
Dr. Misra stressed that the scheme’s relief must be practical and impactful, giving dignity and a fair opportunity to those incarcerated simply because of poverty. She has mandated all Deputy Commissioners to submit detailed compliance reports within 15 days.