Patna: The Bihar government has relaunched the e-Mulakat system, allowing families, lawyers and doctors to communicate with inmates through video conferencing from their homes after booking appointments online. The initiative aims to make prison visitation more accessible while reducing overcrowding and improving transparency in jails.
The upgraded facility has been introduced at Shaheed Khudiram Bose Central Jail in Muzaffarpur following directions from the Directorate of Correctional Services under the Home Department. Prison authorities said the service is expected to be rolled out across other jails in the state in the coming months.
Two Online Registration Options
The prison administration has introduced two methods for booking an e-Mulakat appointment.
The first option is through the National Prisons Information Portal (ePrisons), where applicants must submit details of both the inmate and the visitor through an online application.
The second option is the Citizen Service mode. Under this system, applicants must first have their mobile number verified by the jail administration. Once verified, they can log in using a one-time password (OTP) to book a meeting slot.
Choice Between Virtual and Physical Visits
Applicants can choose between a traditional face-to-face meeting at the prison or a video call from their homes, depending on their preference.
Officials said the video conferencing option is expected to benefit families living in distant districts or outside Bihar by reducing travel time and expenses.
During registration, applicants must upload a valid identity proof, a recent photograph and details of accompanying family members. Meetings will be scheduled after the application receives approval.
One e-Mulakat Per Week
According to the prison administration, each inmate will be eligible for one e-Mulakat session per week.
The facility was initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic but was later discontinued. Officials said it has now been restored with upgraded technology and enhanced security features.
Authorities Advise Using Personal Mobile Numbers
The prison administration has advised applicants to use their own mobile numbers instead of those belonging to cyber cafés or third parties.
Officials said using a personal number will help avoid problems with OTP verification and streamline the identity verification and approval process.
Reducing Crowds at Prisons
Thousands of visitors meet inmates every day at central and divisional jails across Bihar, often resulting in long queues and extended waiting times.
Officials expect the digital appointment system to reduce congestion at prison entrances, improve visitor management and make the process more convenient for families, particularly those travelling from other districts or states.
Focus on Transparency and Security
The state government said the initiative is part of its broader effort to make prison administration more digital, transparent and secure.
Online appointment records are expected to improve monitoring of prison visits while reducing manual paperwork. To promote awareness, prison authorities have displayed informational posters encouraging eligible visitors to use the service.
The Jail Superintendent said the upgraded e-Mulakat system has been strengthened with new technology and is expected to deliver positive results. If the initiative proves successful, it will be expanded to additional prisons across Bihar.
