On Tuesday, Tapash Roy, Secretary of the Home (Jail) Department in Tripura, announced that the state government has decided to release five prisoners on the eve of Independence Day, 2023. This decision comes as a result of the prisoners completing 66 percent of their sentences and demonstrating good conduct during their incarceration.
During a press briefing at the Civil Secretariat, Roy provided updates on the initiatives undertaken by the department since March 8, 2023. One of the initiatives highlighted was the revision of recruitment rules for the position of Warden (Female). The Recruitment Rules of Female Warden were amended to increase the maximum age limit from 24 to 27 years for general candidates, aiming to encourage greater participation of unemployed youth. Additionally, ST/SC candidates will receive an additional 5-year age relaxation beyond the age of 27.
Roy also shared that the Home (Jail) Department has taken steps to achieve a paperless working environment by implementing an e-office system and electronic file movement, following the state government’s order.
Regarding the special remission under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav on August 15, 2023, preparations have already commenced, according to Roy.
Furthermore, efforts have been made to adopt the draft Model Prisons and Correctional Service Act, 2023 in Tripura. Currently, the Prisons Act, 1894 is still in force, but the Home (Jail) Department has initiated the adoption of the draft Model Prisons and Correctional Service Act through the state legislature, in line with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India’s recommendations.
On March 27, 2023, the Home (Jail) Department introduced the Tripura Sanshodhanagar Rule, 2021, in the state legislature.
Addressing the issue of poor indigent prisoners who are unable to pay fines, the department has taken steps for their redressal through the District Legal Service Authority.
Moreover, starting from April 24, 2023, all victim compensation amounts will be provided through electronic mode using the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system to the concerned victims. The department has already uploaded three victims’ cases in the Beneficiary Management System (BMS) Portal for DBT, and the inauguration of electronic mode payments will be conducted by the Minister of the Home (Jail) Department.
Under the guidance of Shantana Chakma, Minister for Home (Jail) Department, Industries and Commerce, and OBC Welfare, initiatives have been implemented to conduct STI, HIV, TB, and Hepatitis tests for all prisoners across the state’s districts.
