New mechanism aims to help economically weaker prisoners secure bail and pay fines under revised Union Government guidelines
dr kamlesh kali
Chandigarh, May 11 — In a significant move aimed at strengthening legal and humanitarian support for economically weaker prisoners, the Chandigarh Administration has reconstituted two high-level committees for the effective implementation of the Government of India’s “Support to Poor Prisoners” Scheme.
The notification, issued by the Home Department of the Chandigarh Administration, stated that the revised framework has been constituted in accordance with the updated guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, on December 2, 2025.
The scheme is intended to provide financial assistance to poor prisoners who are unable to secure bail or pay fines imposed by courts due to financial constraints.
Empowered Committee Formed Under District Magistrate
As per the notification, an “Empowered Committee” has been constituted under the chairmanship of the District Collector-cum-District Magistrate, Union Territory, Chandigarh. The committee includes the Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, Chandigarh, who will function as the Convener, along with the Superintendent of Police, Chandigarh, the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Chandigarh, and the Superintendent or Deputy Superintendent of Model Jail, Chandigarh, as members.
The notification states that the Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority will also act as the coordinating authority for meetings of the committee.
The Empowered Committee has been authorized to assess cases of needy prisoners and recommend financial assistance for securing bail or payment of fines. The committee may also appoint nodal officers and seek assistance from jail visiting lawyers, para-legal volunteers, social workers, district probation officers and other officials to facilitate processing of cases involving indigent prisoners.
Oversight Committee to Monitor Implementation
In addition to the Empowered Committee, the Chandigarh Administration has also constituted an “Oversight Committee” to supervise implementation and ensure transparency in the scheme.
The Oversight Committee will function under the chairmanship of the Secretary (Home/Jail), Chandigarh Administration. The committee includes the Legal Remembrancer-cum-Director of Prosecution, the Secretary of the State Legal Services Authority, Chandigarh, the Inspector General of Prisons, UT Chandigarh, who will serve as the Member Convener, and the Registrar General of the Punjab and Haryana High Court as members.
Officials said the Oversight Committee will ensure that the recommendations and financial assistance mechanisms are implemented in accordance with the revised guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Model Jail Superintendent Designated as Nodal Officer
The Superintendent of Model Jail, Chandigarh, has been designated as the Nodal Officer for coordinating with the Prisons Department and facilitating withdrawal of funds from the Central Nodal Agency account or budget head for implementation of the scheme.
The officer will process financial assistance based on the recommendations of the Empowered and Oversight Committees and ensure that aid reaches eligible prisoners without procedural delay.
Focus on Justice and Humanitarian Relief
Legal experts believe the initiative could significantly help undertrial and convicted prisoners who continue to remain in jail solely because of their inability to furnish bail bonds or pay court-imposed fines.
The “Support to Poor Prisoners” Scheme is part of the Union Government’s broader effort to ensure access to justice and reduce unnecessary incarceration caused by poverty and lack of legal support.
Officials said the revised guidelines are aimed at bringing greater accountability, faster coordination among agencies and improved identification of deserving beneficiaries within prisons.
The Chandigarh Administration stated that both committees would function strictly in accordance with the revised Standard Operating Procedures issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and any amendments issued from time to time.
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