HYDERABAD: The department of prisons is in the process of preparing a list of convicts who could be considered for release on good conduct. A committee has been formed and basing on various parameters the list is being prepared.
Home minister Nayini Narasimha Reddy said here on Friday that he would take the list of recommended prisoners to the chief minister for his approval. In case of approval, the prisoners are likely to be released on January 26, the Republic Day.
Owing to a stay from the Supreme Court on early release of prisoners on good conduct till completion of a hearing on the release of a few convicts involved in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, the government has not been able to sanction early release of prisoners. “The stay now stands vacated. We are considering release of some select prisoners by January 26,” he said.
The home minister was speaking to media after inaugurating the new prison complex at Chanchalguda central prison here on Friday. He was accompanied by DyCM Mahmood Ali and Malakpet MLA Ahmed Bin Abdullah Balala.
“The capacity of Chanchalguda prison, which was built in 1878, has now been increased to 1,050 from the present 850. By spending Rs 10 crore, separate blocks have been built for lodging detainees, young offenders, high-security and special-class prisoners. A modern kitchen and a godown have also been built,” said Reddy.
The home minister congratulated the 12-member cycling team of the prisons department who successfully cycled from Charminar here to India Gate in Delhi, spreading the message of corruption-free prisons.
Director-general (prisons) Vinoy Kumar Singh presented a detailed report of the initiatives and works taken up by his department. The department is in talks with various philanthropists, companies and corporations to ensure job security for prisoners on their release.
“The existing prison industries will be enhanced and prisoners, whether undertrials or convicts, will be made to undergo a master health checkup to ensure their good health and avoid deaths inside prisons,” he said.
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