HYDERABAD: For two years now, about 200 prisoners lodged in various prisons in the State have been eagerly waiting to re-integrate with the society and lead a normal life again. But the proposal to remit their sentence is yet to be considered for approval by the State government.
The proposal gains prominence at a time when the Central government announced on Wednesday that guidelines would be framed to initiate remission for prisoners in view of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
Testing the nerves of several inmates who are probable for remission, unhappiness loomed over them as the State government did not act upon the order for their release.
It was in March 2016 that 251 inmates walked free from the barracks on the strength of their good behaviour.
“Recently, the Andhra Pradesh government has released prisoners. But no positive sign is seen in our case. We have certainly made a mistake but we are changed now, the chance to go back and be with the family is being snatched from us,” said an open-air prisoner at Chanchalguda central prison.
He added, “All our submission to the jail officials by working at their homes, forgoing self-respect, is not being regarded.”
Prisons department officials, however, say that a remission is only an option available to the State government. “We sent proposals in January this year for remission.”
“There are more than 100 who would qualify for release on the basis of their conduct and the kind of crime they committed,” said VK Singh, director-general of prisons and correctional services.
However, the delay in granting remission is making prisoners restive, acquire suicidal tendencies and fall into depression. “Suppose if someone has been in jail for 20 years, he needs to be released so that he can get back to his family and lead a normal life. Else, they will become depressed and tend to commit suicide,” Singh explained.
Prisons in Telangana
6,848-Total capacity
Present occupancy-5,800 (including 1,500 life convicts and 3,500 undertrials)
Women prisoners-500 (including 30 life convicts)