The government of Jharkhand and the prison administration have decided to implement a new system as part of prison reforms in the state. This initiative aims to integrate inmates into the employment sector to promote self-sufficiency and provide financial support to their families.
Under this system, selected inmates with good behavior will be allowed to go to work outside the prison early in the morning, around 6 or 7 AM, and return to the prison by evening, meaning for a period of 12 hours. It is important to note that this opportunity is not available to all inmates; it is provided only to those who demonstrate good behavior, and a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be developed for this purpose.
If an inmate violates the established rules, appropriate measures will be taken against them. A full SOP is currently being prepared, after which the details of the system will become clearer. The implementation of this system is planned to begin in four prisons across the state.
According to Sudarshan Mandale, Director of Prison Inspection, prisons located in urban areas are being considered. The goal of this program is to ensure employment and increase the self-reliance of inmates. The Hemant Soren government is preparing to introduce this system in four central state prisons: Birsa Munda Central Jail, Jai Prakash Narayan Central Jail in Ranchi, Gaghidih Central Jail in Hajharibagh, and Dumka Central Jail in East Singhbhum.
In these prisons, cells have already been identified that can be converted into open or semi-open barracks. The government emphasizes that the purpose of this measure is not to grant inmates permission to leave the prison, but rather to make them self-sufficient through employment.
Furthermore, the Jharkhand Prison and Correctional Services Act, 2025, provides for the creation of Open Correctional Institutions (OCI). This is intended to ensure that inmates have opportunities for rehabilitation and employment after release, allowing them to lead a normal life with their families.