More prisoners to walk free next year: Minister

Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday said that the government had decided to release more prisoners based on good conduct next year.

“The benefit of premature release based on good conduct should be given to all eligible prisoners. Those who are innocent and those really deserving should get the benefit. The government has decided to consider more prisoners for premature release next year,” the minister said, while speaking on the occasion of the release of 120 prisoners at Central Prisons, Parappana Agrahara.

“India is the only country where continuous efforts are made for freedom of prisoners based on good conduct. However, some people misused this, committed crime again and were jailed.

Those who have been released should lead a crime-free life,” he said. The government has already discussed measures for the welfare of prisoners, in association with the social welfare department, the Devaraj Urs Board and other organisations working for women’s welfare, he said.

Each of the 120 prisoners are reformed. Two women prisoners were released based on good conduct on January 26, 2016.

However, they returned to the prison as they were not accepted by society. The prisoners should not worry about any stigma after they are released. The attitude of the society might be different, but the prisoners should focus on leading a meaningful life, he said.