Tihars adoption plan seeks to help released prisoners rebuild lives

The Tihar jail authorities are working on a new scheme aimed at easing hundreds of released prisoners’ return to society.

Under the scheme, a first-of-its-kind initiative, the discharged prisoners will be “adopted” by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for at least a year after their release to have access to food, shelter and livelihood counselling during the crucial transition period.

According to a senior prison official, the project has been envisioned by Director General (Prisons) S.B.K. Singh and is currently in the planning stage.

“The idea is to ensure the reintegration of convicts after they complete their sentence. At present, there is no structured mechanism to support them once they are released,” the officer said.

The proposed scheme acknowledges the longstanding absence of any aftercare policy for released prisoners, despite recommendations made over four decades ago by the Mulla Committee Report (1983).  It recommended setting up dedicated aftercare units to assess prisoners’ needs prior to release.

Currently, Tihar jail, which houses over 18,000 inmates, has no such provision. While prisoners receive vocational training inside the jail, officials admit there is little data on their lives post-release or whether these skills translate into stable livelihoods.

MoUs with NGOs

Under the new plan, Tihar authorities intend to sign memorandums of understanding with selected NGOs.  “The NGOs will provide food, shelter and job-related counselling, giving former inmates time and stability to find their footing in society,” the officer explained.

However, the scheme will apply only to a specific category of prisoners.  “The programme is meant strictly for prisoners who have no gang affiliations and were implicated primarily on circumstantial evidence,” the officer said.

The eligibility will depend on good conduct in jail and a demonstrated willingness to acquire or improve skills during incarceration, he added.