Jharkhand to Let Select Prisoners Work Outside Jail During the Day

Brief By The Newspost / 1:21 PM on 30 Aug 2026

Jharkhand is set to introduce a new prison reform initiative aimed at helping selected inmates rebuild their lives and reconnect with society. Under the proposed system, eligible prisoners will be allowed to leave jail during the day, work outside and earn a livelihood, before returning to prison in the evening.

According to media reports, the initiative will initially be introduced in four central jails — Birsa Munda Central Jail in Ranchi, Jai Prakash Narayan Central Jail in Hazaribagh, Ghaghidih Central Jail in East Singhbhum and Dumka Central Jail. Authorities have already identified barracks and cells where open and semi-open facilities can be developed.

Inspector General of Prisons Sudarshan Mandal said eligible inmates may be allowed to leave the prison around 6 or 7 am and return within approximately 12 hours after completing their work. Since these prisons are located in urban areas, inmates could have access to various employment opportunities.

A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be prepared to determine which prisoners qualify for open or semi-open barracks. Officials are expected to consider factors such as good conduct, discipline and compliance with prison rules while selecting inmates.

The initiative is part of Jharkhand’s broader prison reform programme. The state cabinet recently approved the proposal, while the Jharkhand Prison and Correctional Services Act, 2025, also provides for establishing open correctional institutions.

The move follows directions from the Supreme Court in the Suhas Chakma vs Union of India case. The court asked states to explore the possibility of introducing open correctional institutions. Where separate facilities are not feasible, states were advised to consider open or semi-open barracks within existing prison complexes.

The initiative is expected to give eligible prisoners an opportunity to develop work skills, earn responsibly and prepare for life after release.