Uttar Pradesh set free 1,236 old, infirm prisoners in past one year

The Uttar Pradesh government has released 1,236 prisoners, who were poor, old and suffering from serious illnesses but had recorded good behaviour in the past one year.

The prisoners were released from different jails of the state before time between January 1, 2022 and January 31, 2023, said the spokesman for UP prison administration and reform services here on Saturday.

According to the government spokesman, at least 196 prisoners, sentenced to jail up to 10 years, were released before time under the 'Amrit Mahotsava' scheme.

He said the 'Amrit Mahotsava' scheme is for those prisoners who have been sentenced to a fixed term and have served at least their half term as well as their behaviour has been up to the mark according to the jail manual.

He said there is a provision to release such prisoners on August 15 2022, January 26, 2023 and August 15, 2023 during the 'Amrit Mahotsava'.

Besides, 1040 prisoners, who were awarded life terms, were released during the same period. Of them, 26 prisoners were released on 'Form A', one prisoner was released on nominal roll while 37 were released on mercy petitions as well as 976 were released under state permanent release policy.

Under 'Form A', the prisoners awarded life team and have completed at least 14 years of term and fall under criteria of old, suffering from illness and have good behaviour, are released.

The old and seriously ill prisoners are released on nominal roll scheme while prisoners having good behaviour and have completed their at least 14 years of term could be released under state permanent release policy.

Besides, as many as 981 prisoners lodged in the UP jails are likely to be benefited after Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in the recent Union Budget to provide financial support to people who are unable to afford prison penalties and bail amounts.

Anand Kumar, Director General, UP Prison Administration and Reform Services, said, "As many as 810 prisoners lodged in the UP jails are waiting to get bail. They are behind bars because they did not find a person who can take bail guarantee.

Besides, there are 171 prisoners who do not have money to pay bail amount and are in prison even after completion of the punishment period."

--IANS

amita/dpb