Bihar govt sets up state's first open jail in Buxar

Patna, Jun 22: With a view to introduce a prison without boundary walls, the Bihar government has decided to set up the state's first open jail at Buxar, about 80 km from here, this year.

Official sources quoting state Inspector General of Prison S.

Paundrik here today said in order to implement the unique programme within a timeframe the government had already acquired a 20 acre plot near the existing Buxar jail.

As per the preliminary concept, about 100 selected prisoners having good track records in different jails, would be lodged in the new open jail where they might be even allowed to stay with their families to have the feeling of staying at a 'home away from home'.

Stating that strict legal procedures would be followed in the selection of prisoners to be eligible for being transferred to the open jail, the sources said a high power committee would soon be set up for this purpose which would ensure that under no circumstances the convicts of murder or kidnapping charges or those serving long sentences on charges of terrorism and anti-state activities would be considered.

Elaborating the basic purpose of setting up an open jail in the state on experimental basis before increasing its number in case of its successful implementation, the sources said at present most of the jails in Bihar were jam packed as the number of inmates there was much more than their capacities.

This has led to frequent clashes among the inmates and caused other difficulties to the jail authorities,the sources said adding that this had been causing more harm to the convicts than trying to change their mindset for better.

In contrast,the sources said,in the new open jail petty convicts with good track records would be allowed to take up time-bound jobs of their choice both in and outside the jail premises besides having the opportunity of mixing with their relatives and others in the vast open space.

Moreover,the facilities of reading books,newspapers and magazines would be provided to the convicts so that they can have clear ideas about the happenings in the world, the sources informed adding that, when set up, the Buxar open jail would be the 27th of its kind in the whole country.

UNI