The Ministry of Home Affairs had introduced the “Support to Poor Prisoners” Scheme in the year 2023. Detailed ‘Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedure’ to be followed by the States/UTs for implementation of the scheme were shared with all State Governments and Union Territory Administrations on 19.6.2023.The Central Government had made a provision for Rs 20 crores each for the Financial Years 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26 for implementation of the scheme which aims at providing relief to poor prisoners, who are unable to secure release from prison due to non-payment of fine or for furnishing bond for release on bail. Funds were made available to the States/UTs through the Central Nodal Agency (CNA) Account and the States/UTs were advised to draw funds from the CNA account. As on date, 12 States have drawn funds of Rs. 22,84,451/- from the CNA account.

This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

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