Patna, October 1: The Bihar government has decided to release 44 prisoners lodged in different jails across the state on October 2, marking the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
The decision has been taken on the recommendation of the State Prisoners’ Remission Committee, with the government citing humanitarian considerations, social rehabilitation and public welfare.
The release marks the return of the practice after a gap of eight years. In 2018, 43 prisoners were released from different jails on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary.
Most Prisoners Being Released Are Elderly
A large number of prisoners included in this year’s release list are elderly inmates who have served long periods of imprisonment.
According to the government, two prisoners are above 90 years of age, while eight are above 80. Another 20 prisoners are between 70 and 80 years old.
One prisoner suffering from a serious illness is also being released on humanitarian grounds.
A woman prisoner who has completed nearly 20 years of her sentence at Purnia Jail is also among those being released.
93-Year-Old Prisoner Among Those Released
Among the prisoners being released is 93-year-old Rambriksh Koeri, who is lodged in Rohtas jail.
Other prisoners named in the release include Yogeshwar Yadav, Harivansh Ram, 84, and Ramashish Yadav, 82, from Madhepura.
Satyanarayan Singh and Pankaj Gupta, who are suffering from serious illnesses, are also among those being released.
The government said the inmates included in the decision have served long periods of imprisonment.
Release Aimed at Rehabilitation and Reintegration
The government said the decision seeks to give elderly and infirm prisoners an opportunity to return to their families and reintegrate into society.
The move has been taken after consideration by the State Prisoners’ Remission Committee and is linked to the principles of humanitarian relief and social rehabilitation.
Rs 3.86 Crore Assistance for Crime Victims’ Families
Alongside the prisoner releases, the Bihar government will also provide financial assistance to families of victims of crime on October 2.
Around Rs 3.86 crore will be distributed among 1,820 beneficiary families.
The assistance is intended to provide financial support to families affected by crime as part of the government’s welfare measures.
Gandhi Jayanti Release After Eight-Year Gap
The release of 44 prisoners on Gandhi Jayanti comes eight years after the previous such exercise in 2018.
The government said the decision reflects humanitarian considerations while also focusing on rehabilitation and the reintegration of eligible prisoners into society.
