Jharkhand Frees 51 Lifers, Focuses on Rehabilitation

The Jharkhand government has approved the release of 51 convicts serving life sentences across various state prisons, marking a significant step in its ongoing prison reform efforts. The decision, finalized during the 35th meeting of the Jharkhand State Sentence Review Board on August 22, 2025, was chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren at his residential office in Ranchi. Since 2019, the board has facilitated the release of 619 prisoners, with 470 of them benefiting from social welfare schemes aimed at reintegration.

The board reviewed 103 cases, including 37 new proposals and 66 previously rejected ones, before granting approval for the release of 51 inmates. The selection process considered factors such as the prisoners’ age, conduct in jail, family background, and recommendations from courts, district police, jail superintendents, and probation officers. “After thorough discussions, Chief Minister Soren gave his consent to release 51 prisoners,” an official statement noted, as reported by PTI and corroborated by posts on X.

Soren emphasized comprehensive rehabilitation, directing officials to verify the social, economic, and familial conditions of the released individuals. He instructed the creation of a tailored action plan to ensure their financial independence, linking them to skill development programs and opportunities in dairy farming, poultry farming, and animal husbandry. “These individuals, who have served over 14 years and shown good conduct, deserve a fresh start,” Soren said, urging officials to prevent social stigma post-release.

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The initiative aligns with Jharkhand’s broader strategy to decongest prisons and support former inmates’ reintegration. Of the 619 prisoners released since 2019, 558 have undergone physical verification to ensure they access benefits like the Chief Minister’s Employment Generation Scheme and agricultural programs. The meeting saw participation from key officials, including Additional Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Principal Secretary of Home, Prison, and Disaster Management Vandana Dadel, and DGP Anurag Gupta, reflecting the state’s coordinated approach.

This move has drawn mixed reactions. While some praise the focus on rehabilitation, others, as noted on X, stress the need for thorough background checks to consider victims’ families and the nature of the crimes. The government’s proactive measures, including plans for mental health support and livelihood training, aim to ensure these individuals contribute positively to society, setting a model for compassionate governance.

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