Andhra Assembly passes prison reforms bill

Metro India News | amaravati

Aiming at reforming the prison system and promoting rehabilitation of inmates, the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Monday unanimously passed the Jails and Reforms Amendment Bill, introduced by State Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha during the eighth day of the ongoing Budget Session.

Presenting the bill in the House, the Home Minister said the government’s objective is to transform prisons from mere punishment facilities into centres of reformation and social reintegration. She emphasised that the coalition government is committed to bringing meaningful change in the lives of inmates by adopting a humane and reform-oriented approach in line with guidelines prescribed by the Central government.

Anitha stated that the government is positively inclined toward granting remission to prisoners who demonstrate good conduct, adding that reforms would focus on ensuring dignity and human values even within prison walls. As part of welfare measures, special Anganwadi centres will be established for children of women inmates to provide care, nutrition, and early education support.

The minister further announced that prisoners would be categorised based on their criminal history and behavioural assessment, enabling targeted rehabilitation programmes. The government also plans to introduce open-air prisons aimed at facilitating psychological transformation and preparing inmates for life beyond incarceration.

Skill development initiatives, including agricultural training and vocational education, will be expanded to help prisoners secure livelihoods and reintegrate into society after release. Opportunities for continuing education within prisons will also be strengthened, she added.

During the debate, Ponnur MLA Dhulipalla Narendra offered several suggestions, drawing attention to staff shortages in prisons, particularly the lack of adequate female personnel. He urged the government to consider granting remission on humanitarian grounds to elderly inmates above 60 years of age and those imprisoned in minor cases based on good behaviour.

Recalling his own experiences related to incarceration during the previous government’s tenure, he stressed the need for structured rehabilitation measures to help former prisoners rejoin mainstream society with dignity.

Following the government’s clarification and assurances, the Assembly approved the bill unanimously. With the amendment now cleared, officials indicated that the reforms could pave the way for remission and possible release of hundreds of eligible prisoners in the coming period, marking a major step toward a more reformative and humane prison administration in the State.