On India’s 79th Independence Day, Tihar Jail, Asia’s largest prison complex, granted special remission to 1,497 convicts, offering sentence reductions of 15 to 25 days based on their conduct. The announcement, made by Director General (Prisons) Satish Golchha during a flag-hoisting ceremony at Tihar’s headquarters, underscores the prison’s focus on reform and rehabilitation. Additionally, Golchha revealed that the Delhi government has allocated Rs 145.58 crore to construct a new jail in Narela to address overcrowding in the capital’s prisons, which currently house over 18,000 inmates across 16 facilities.

Built in 1957, Tihar’s complex includes specialized jails for women (Jail Numbers 6 and 16) and recently took over the Lampur Detention Centre, housing 273 foreign detainees. Golchha highlighted the prison’s “correctional philosophy,” emphasizing education and skill development.

Around 600 inmates are enrolled in the ‘Unnati’ cognitive behavioral program, developed by the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) with Osmania University, while other organizations provide vocational training. The department has also implemented Section 479 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and is advancing online court appearances via video conferencing to streamline processes.

To bolster security, an intelligence cell has been established, and medical services have been enhanced with specialist doctors now treating inmates on-site. Last year, 3,247 new posts were created, leading to promotions within the jail cadre, and the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) has advertised 1,697 warder and 93 assistant superintendent positions to address staffing shortages. The new Narela jail aims to alleviate pressure on Tihar’s overburdened facilities, which struggle with overcrowding despite ongoing reforms.

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Golchha reaffirmed the department’s commitment to preparing inmates for societal reintegration through education, skills, and psychological support. “Our aim is to help inmates lead a better life after their release while ensuring the security of our facilities,” he said. The Independence Day event concluded with cultural performances by inmates and staff, symbolizing unity and hope.

Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some praising the remission and reform efforts as progressive, while others question the prison’s capacity to manage overcrowding effectively. As Tihar balances punishment with rehabilitation, the new jail and ongoing initiatives signal a push toward a more humane prison system.

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