Financial aid for poor prisoners: East Jaintia Hills sets up empowered committee

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 31, 2024

East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner has announced the formation of an Empowered Committee within the Department of Prison & Correctional Services. This committee is tasked with implementing the Central Government’s Scheme to provide financial assistance to poor prisoners in the district.

The members of the Empowered Committee include the District Magistrate who will function as its Chairman, the Superintendent, District Prison & Correctional Home who will be its Member Secretary while the other members of the committee include the Additional District Magistrate (Judicial), the Superintendent of Police, a nominee of the District & Sessions Judge and the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority.

The terms of reference of the Committee include assessing the requirement of financial support in each case for securing bail or payment of fine, etc and based on the decisions taken, the District Magistrate will draw money from the Account of the Central Agency (CAN) and take necessary action to deposit the required amount with the concerned Court

Additionally, the Committee may appoint a Nodal Officer and take the assistance of any civil society representative or social worker to assist the Committee in processing cases of prisoners in need.