About India's Special Remission Scheme: 900 prisoners set free till now

About India's Special Remission Scheme: 900 prisoners set free till now: Details, Eligibility, Significance, Highlights

The Indian states and union territories released over 900 prisoners in the first phase of the government of India's scheme for grant of special remission to specific categories of prisoners.

The decision was undertaken as a part of the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Under the special remission, it would be given to a specific category of prisoners was taken by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 18th July 2018.

The first phase of special remission to prisoners, the States, and UTs, after obtaining the approval of the competent authority in their jurisdictions, released over 900 prisoners.

In the second and third phase, prisoners will be released on 6 April 2019 and 2 October 2019 respectively.

Prisoners, when released will be taken to garland the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. They will also be gifted with books relating to Mahatma Gandhi and will also be provided with suitable counseling.

As per statistics maintained by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), while the capacity of 1,412 jails across the country is 3.80 lakh, they held 4.33 lakh prisoners as on December 31, 2016.

Eligibility

Women convicts of 55 years of age and above, who have completed 50% of their actual sentence period.
Transgender convicts of 55 years of age and above, who have completed 50% of their actual sentence period.
Male convicts of 60 years of age and above, who have completed 50% of their actual sentence period.
Physically challenged or disabled convicts with 70% disability and more who have completed 50% of their actual sentence period.
Terminally ill convicts.
Convicted prisoners who have completed two-thirds or 66% of their actual sentence period.