Raipur: The state government is launching a new initiative aimed at the rehabilitation of prisoners serving sentences in Chhattisgarh and integrating them into the social mainstream. Preparations are underway to open seven new ‘open jails’ in the state starting from Gandhi Jayanti (October 2). Under this system, eligible prisoners with a record of good conduct will be permitted to work outside the prison premises during the day and return in the evening. Plans are in place to extend the benefits of this scheme to 50 inmates from Jagdalpur Central Jail in the Bastar division, comprising 25 men and 25 women. Additionally, open jail facilities will be introduced in other central and district jails across the state, subject to capacity.
Prisoners to work outside, return in the evening
The primary objective of the open jail system is not merely to punish prisoners but to prepare them to lead a normal life in society upon release. Under the scheme, eligible inmates will have the opportunity to work outside the premises during the day, based on their interests and capabilities. They will be able to engage in activities such as agriculture, construction work, tailoring, handicrafts, and self-employment. After working during the day, they must return to the open jail premises by a designated time. The initiative aims to foster a sense of responsibility, self-reliance, and appropriate social behavior among the prisoners.
Prisoners aged 30 to 60 years eligible
The open jail facility will not be available to all inmates; the government has established clear eligibility criteria. Prisoners serving life imprisonment or a sentence of at least 10 years are eligible. Furthermore, the prisoner must be between 30 and 60 years of age. They must have already served a minimum of seven years of their sentence, maintaining a record of good conduct during this period. Inmates with a history of serious indiscipline or violations of prison rules will be excluded from the scheme.
Prisoners in 11 categories ineligible
Before granting access to the open jail, the backgrounds of the inmates and the nature of their crimes will be scrutinized. The government has designated prisoners belonging to approximately 11 categories as ineligible for the scheme. Apart from convicts sentenced under Section 44 of the IPC or Section 46 of the BNS, the scheme excludes prisoners involved in offenses against the State or the Army, as well as those whose death sentences have been commuted to life imprisonment.
Open Jails with Varying Capacities Across the State
The proposed open jails in the state have been planned with varying capacities. According to available information, arrangements are proposed to accommodate 200 male prisoners in Ambikapur, while Jagdalpur is set to house 25 male and 25 female prisoners. Other jails will also accommodate male and female prisoners based on their respective capacities. The objective of this initiative is to develop rehabilitation facilities by utilizing existing jail premises and available infrastructure.
