Jharkhand to let prisoners work outside jail, return by evening

Jharkhand is preparing to introduce a new prison reform system under which select inmates with a record of good conduct will be allowed to leave jail for work and return by evening.The initiative is aimed at helping prisoners become self-reliant, gain access to employment and support their families financially while preparing them for life after release.Under the proposed system, eligible prisoners could leave prison as early as 6 or 7 am to work outside the jail premises. They would be required to return within 12 hours, by the evening.The scheme will not be open to all prisoners. The prison administration will formulate a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) laying down the eligibility criteria and rules for participation. Only prisoners with good conduct and a clean record inside the prison will be considered. Those who violate the prescribed rules could face action. The prison administration will also monitor inmates who are permitted to work outside.OPEN AND SEMI-OPEN BARRACKSThe system will be implemented through open and semi-open barracks, with preparations currently underway at four central jails in the state. The four prisons selected for the initiative are Birsa Munda Central Jail in Ranchi, Jayaprakash Narayan Central Jail in Hazaribagh, Ghaghidih Central Jail in East Singhbhum and Dumka Central Jail in Dumka.Barracks and cells at these prisons have already been identified for conversion into open or semi-open barracks, depending on requirements.According to Prison IG Sudarshan Mandal, the four selected jails are located in urban areas, where prisoners are more likely to find employment and livelihood opportunities outside the prison.AIM IS REHABILITATION, NOT JUST EMPLOYMENTThe proposed system is part of wider prison reforms aimed at rehabilitating inmates and helping them reconnect with mainstream society.By allowing eligible prisoners to take up work and responsibilities before their release, the government hopes to help them develop greater self-reliance and make the transition to normal life easier.Prisoners working outside the jail will also be able to earn through their labour. The income is expected to help meet the financial needs of their families while giving inmates an opportunity to develop work-related responsibilities.LEGAL PROVISION FOR OPEN CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONSThe initiative also has a legal basis in the Jharkhand Prison and Correctional Services Act, 2025, which provides for the establishment of Open Correctional Institutions (OCIs).The final framework for allowing prisoners to work outside the jail will be clear once the SOP is formulated. The prison administration is currently preparing the infrastructure required to launch the system at the four selected central jails.The broader objective is to combine employment with rehabilitation so that inmates are better prepared to return to their families and lead normal lives after completing their sentences.- EndsPublished On: Aug 30, 2026 15:51 IST