Haryana launches major push for ‘Support to Poor Prisoners’ scheme

In a significant step towards ensuring equitable access to justice, Haryana Additional Chief Secretary for Home, Jails, Criminal Investigation and Administration of Justice, Dr Sumita Misra, has issued comprehensive directions for the immediate and effective implementation of the ‘Support to Poor Prisoners’ scheme across all districts of the state.

Acting on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) laid down by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, Dr Misra has directed the Director General of Prisons, Deputy Commissioners, and District Magistrates to take proactive, time-bound action to bring the scheme into effect in both letter and spirit.

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A key feature of the directive is the constitution of Empowered Committees in each district. These will comprise the District Magistrate, Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, Superintendent of Police, Superintendent/Deputy Superintendent of the concerned prison, and a Judge in-charge nominated by the District Judge.

The committees will work collectively to identify, assess, and facilitate financial assistance for prisoners unable to afford bail or fines.
To further strengthen implementation, each Empowered Committee will appoint a Nodal Officer and may collaborate with civil society representatives, social workers, or District Probation Officers. These stakeholders will play a pivotal role in case processing and ensuring timely disbursal of relief to eligible inmates.

Dr Misra has also directed the Prisons Department and District Magistrates to conduct regular committee meetings, prison visits, awareness drives, and maintain accurate beneficiary lists.

Underscoring the human dimension of the scheme, Dr Misra emphasized that, “Relief must not remain on paper, but must translate into tangible human impact, offering dignity, fairness, and a second chance to those imprisoned solely due to poverty.”

All Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to submit detailed compliance reports within 15 days, marking the beginning of a focused and humane initiative across Haryana’s correctional landscape.