Patna: The Home Department (Prisons) Bihar is planning to introduce a new rehabilitation initiative that would allow selected prisoners to operate petrol pumps within jail premises.
Officials said a detailed framework for the proposal had already been prepared and forwarded to the Finance Department for approval. Legal clearance will subsequently be sought from the Law Department before the proposal is placed before the state cabinet.
Under the plan, petrol pumps would be established on vacant land owned by prison authorities across Bihar.
Selected Prisoners To Manage Operations
According to officials, operational responsibilities will be assigned only to prisoners serving long-term sentences who are actively participating in correctional and rehabilitation programmes.
Authorities clarified that:
- undertrial prisoners accused of heinous offences would not be involved
- convicted prisoners linked to serious crimes would also be excluded from operational duties
The prison administration said a monitoring mechanism would be created to oversee fuel sales and operations.
MoU Planned With Hindustan Petroleum
Once government approval is secured, the prisons department plans to sign a memorandum of understanding with petroleum companies.
Officials said the department had already decided to pursue an agreement with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited.
Following allocation approval, fuel stations would be developed on available prison land.
Bihar Jails Operating Beyond Capacity
Bihar currently has 59 prisons, including eight central jails.
According to official figures:
- sanctioned inmate capacity: 47,750
- current prison population: 61,891
This places the prison system at roughly 30% above its official capacity.
Officials said several rehabilitation initiatives — including entrepreneurship programmes, yoga, meditation and vocational activities — were already being conducted inside prisons.
Prisoners To Receive Wages
Prisoners involved in operating the petrol pumps would receive remuneration in accordance with provisions under the prison manual.
The state already pays inmates engaged in production and labour activities inside jails.
According to officials, current daily wages for convicted prisoners range from Rs 147 to Rs 397 depending on skill level:
- unskilled labour (4 hours): Rs 147
- unskilled labour: Rs 294
- semi-skilled labour: Rs 309
- skilled labour: Rs 397
Authorities said the proposed petrol pump initiative was intended to strengthen rehabilitation and provide inmates with practical work experience and vocational opportunities.
