CM Mohan Yadav has instructed to speed up security measures and reform initiatives in prisons.
CM Mohan Yadav has stated that Madhya Pradesh is leading the nation in providing financial assistance to impoverished prisoners for paying bail and fines. Under this initiative, prisoners from economically weaker backgrounds are provided with up to 25,000 to cover their fines. Madhya Pradesh is the first state in India to have approved 6,43,517 for 31 prisoners towards bail and fines.
CM Mohan Yadav further mentioned that the state excels in implementing Section 479 of the Indian Civil Protection Code, which requires jail superintendents to request bail for prisoners who have served at least half or one-third of their sentence. Under this provision, 78 cases were forwarded to the court, resulting in the release of 46 prisoners. The Chief Minister commended the Jail and Correctional Services Department officials for their exemplary work in both areas.
CM Mohan Yadav made these comments while reviewing the Jail and Correctional Services Department at Samatva Bhavan on Wednesday. He instructed officials to enhance security measures in prisons and to accelerate efforts for the intellectual and moral rehabilitation of inmates.
E-Prison System Operational in All Madhya Pradesh Jails
During the meeting, it was shared that the E-Prison Management System is fully operational in all state jails, keeping prisoner records up to date. The system has recorded 13,17,303 admissions (including legacy data), with more than 1,31,000 prisoner details uploaded via the Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS). Since the implementation of new criminal laws on July 1, 2024, 48,139 prisoners have been registered under the E-Prison system. There are also efforts underway to increase jail capacity.
Special Remission for Prisoners on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas
Officials proposed granting early release to well-behaved prisoners every year on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (November 15). CM Mohan Yadav approved this, highlighting that prisoners showing good conduct should receive special remission on this day.
Expansion of Open Prisons
CM Mohan Yadav stressed the importance of open prisons, which offer inmates a sense of freedom. He directed the expansion of open prisons, asserting that jails should not only serve as places of punishment but also as centers for rehabilitation and reform.
Focus on Reformative Activities
CM Mohan Yadav emphasized the need for rehabilitation programs, including skill development, yoga, spiritual education, and counseling. These initiatives will help in the mental and moral development of inmates and facilitate their positive reintegration into society.
Encouraging Innovation in Prison Reforms
CM Mohan Yadav encouraged greater community involvement in prison reforms, urging social and religious organizations, as well as experts, to contribute to rehabilitation programs. The state government remains committed to ensuring that prisoners lead a dignified life after their release.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Jain, Additional Chief Secretary (CM Office) Dr. Rajesh Rajora, DGP (Jail & Correctional Services) Shri GP Singh, Principal Secretary (Finance) Shri Manish Rastogi, Secretary (Jail & Correctional Services) Shri Manish Singh, ADG Shri Akheto Sema, Additional DGP Shri Sanjay Pandey, and other senior officials. They presented a report on the department’s current operations, achievements from the past year, and future plans.