Chandigarh, July 24 - Haryana Additional Chief Secretary Home, Jails, Criminal Investigation and Judicial Administration Dr. Sumita Mishra has issued instructions for immediate and effective implementation of the Poor Prisoners Assistance Scheme in all districts of Haryana to ensure equal access to justice and humanitarian assistance for the poor prisoners.
Following the guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) laid down by the Union Home Ministry, Dr. Mishra has directed the Director General of Prisons, all Deputy Commissioners and all District Magistrates of Haryana to take proactive and timely steps as per the scheme.
As per the instructions, a district level committee will be constituted in each district, which will include the District Magistrate, Secretary of the District Legal Service Authority, Superintendent of Police, Superintendent/Deputy Superintendent of the concerned jail and the Judge in-charge of the concerned jail nominated by the District Magistrate. The committee will identify, assess and provide financial assistance to poor prisoners who are unable to secure bail or pay fine.
Dr. Mishra said that to strengthen the implementation, each committee will appoint a nodal officer and may collaborate with civil society representatives, social workers or district probation officers. These stakeholders will assist in the process of the case and ensure that relief reaches eligible prisoners on time.
The Prisons Department and all District Magistrates have been directed to hold regular meetings of the empowered committees, visit jails, create awareness about the scheme among jail staff and prisoners and prepare an accurate list of beneficiaries.
Dr. Mishra stressed that relief should not be limited to papers only, but should have a tangible human impact, so that people who are in jail only because of poverty get dignity, fairness and a second chance. All Deputy Commissioners directed to send detailed compliance report within 15 days