Lucknow: For the first time in Uttar Pradesh, convicted prisoners earning money in jails can now
deposit the same in banks instead of the concerned jail
superintendents.
Of the total 83,000 prisoners lodged in 63 jails of the
state, 25,000 prisoners would have their bank accounts soon.
"The system has been initiated for the satisfaction of
prisoners lodged in the jail. Now, wages earned by them in
the jail for their work will directly be credited in their
accounts instead of going to jail superintendents' account.
Orders have been issued in this regard to all the jails,"
Additional Director General, Prisons, VK Gupta told a news agency.
He said the new system on one hand would benefit the
prisoner, who can access his account and on the other help
jail authorities, who have to maintain accounts of each inmate
and keep their record.
Banks, which were initially reluctant for opening
accounts of convicts were convinced by the department and
two to three nationalised banks have agreed to the proposal.
In Meerut and Aligarh jails the new system has already
started with more than 500 prisoners opening their accounts.
In other places, jail authorities are trying to zero in
banks near prison premises, where accounts can be opened.
A convicted prisoner earns Rs 40, Rs 30 and Rs 20 per
working day as per the three categories - skilled,
semi-skilled and unskilled.
The bank accounts of prisoners will be operated by jail
staff, who would be visiting banks on regular basis on
authorisation of the prisoners, under jail superintendent's
supervision.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, August 10, 2011, 14:36