Wednesday, June, 03,2026

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MHA issues new directives to strengthen 'Support to Poor Prisoners' scheme

New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has reviewed and revised over two-year-old guidelines and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the implementation of the "Support to Poor Prisoners" scheme, citing inadequate and sub-optimal execution across several states and Union Territories (UTs).
The scheme, launched in 2023, aims to provide financial assistance to indigent prisoners whose release is delayed solely due to their inability to pay court-imposed fines or furnish bail because of economic hardship. The original guidelines and SOP were issued to all states and UTs on June 19, 2023.
In a letter dated December 2, addressed to the Chief Secretaries as well as Directors General and Inspectors General of Prisons and Correctional Services of all states and UTs, the MHA acknowledged that poor implementation had hindered the achievement of the scheme's core objectives. The ministry said it has revised the guidelines and SOPs to strengthen and streamline procedures for swift, effective implementation.
In a letter written on December 2 to the chief secretaries of as well as the Director Generals and Inspector Generals of prisons and correctional administration of all states and the Union Territories (UTs), the MHA noted that the implementation of the scheme across many states and UTs has been inadequate and sub-optimal, directly impeding the realisation of its core objectives.
"The revised guidelines and SOP for the 'Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme' are appended to this communication. All states and the UTs are requested to adopt these provisions and initiate necessary action to implement the scheme in line with the revisions," reads the letter.
The MHA, on its part, has reviewed the existing guidelines and SOP with a view to further strengthening and streamlining the procedures to ensure swift and effective implementation of the scheme,
In the letter, It is also requested that the guidelines may be disseminated to all concerned authorities to ensure full institutional compliance.
The ministry also requests the active engagement of all states and the UTs in the effective implementation of the 'Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme', which not only has the potential of mitigating the problems faced by poor prisoners but can also contribute towards reducing overcrowding in prisons.
As per the new guideline and the SOP, an 'Empowered Committee' will be constituted in each district of the state and UT, comprising of nominee of the District Collector or District Magistrate (DM), Secretary, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Superintendent of Police, Superintendent or Dy. Superintendent of the concerned prison and judge incharge of the concerned prison as nominee of the district judge, to consider cases of eligible prisoners.
It is noted that the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) will be the convener and in incharge of the meetings of the empowered committee.
It is also stated that the committee may appoint a nodal officer and seek assistance from a Jail Visiting Lawyer (JLV), a Paralegal Volunteer (PLV), a civil society representative, a social worker, a District Probation Officer, or any other officer to assist in processing cases of needy prisoners.
The empowered committee will assess the requirement of financial support in each case for securing bail or for payment of fine, and based on the decision taken, the nodal officer of the state and UT prison headquarter shall draw funds from the Central Nodal Agency (CNA) account and take necessary action in this regard.
An oversight committee may be constituted at the state government level, comprising of Principal Secretary (Home/Jail), Secretary (Law Department), Secretary, State Legal Services Authority, DG or IG (Prisons) and Registrar General of the High Court.
As per the guideline, the composition of the district level 'empowered committees' and 'oversight committee' are only suggestive in nature.
It mentioned that 'prisons or persons detained therein' being 'state-list' subject, the committees may be constituted and notified by the concerned state governments and UT administrations. "Funds to the states and the UTs will be made available through the CNA."
The MHA has designated the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) as the CNA for implementing this scheme.
Each state and UT should open a subsidiary account at the state and the UT Headquarter level under the CNA's account (NCRB) and have it mapped on for Public Financial Management System (PFMS) as all funds from the Centre will flow through this account.
Each state and UT may appoint a nodal officer at the state and UT headquarter level. The nodal officer of the state and UT prison headquarter will draw the requisite amount from the CNA as per the recommendation of the empowered or oversight committee, as the case may be, and release the amount of fine/bail surety, to the concerned prison's account where the beneficiary is lodged.

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Daily Astro

03-06-2026

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Aries

Ganesha says it will be an important day for you, Aries. Your energy and confidence are ready to take you to new heights. Today you will be able to express your thoughts with clarity, which will increase your communication skills. New opportunities may arise in the working areas, which you have to be ready to take advantage of. In social life, you can make new meetings, which will prove beneficial for you in the future. This day will be good for solving family issues, and you will be able to establish better relations with your close ones. In the field of health, take care of your routine and resort to yoga or meditation to relieve mental stress. Controlling your expenses will be a smart move, as any sudden financial need may arise. Overall, this day is for you to stay positive, just use your insight and energy properly.

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Pisces

Ganesha says it is going to be a positive day for you. Your sensitivity and intuition will flourish today, allowing you to establish better connections between yourself and others. It is time to connect with someone or refresh old memories. Try to communicate with people close to you, as it will strengthen your relationships. In the field of work, your creativity will be cyclical today. If you are working on a project, your ideas will be new and full of innovation. Do not be afraid to share your ideas, it will give you positive feedback from your colleagues. In terms of financial condition, avoid any big investments. Small expenses will prove to be justified but think well before making any big decisions for the long term. In terms of health, focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise. For mental health, practicing meditation or yoga will help keep you stress-free.

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Aquarius

Ganesha says new opportunities are likely to open up for you. You will be in a position to take your creative abilities to new heights. This is the time to share your ideas and make new plans. Your friends and family will support your ideas, so it will be beneficial to take their advice into account. Positive changes are possible in business. This is the right time to work on an important project. You will get an opportunity to use your skills and knowledge properly. But, be careful; in some cases, you will need to control your emotions. In personal life, relationships will deepen. You will try to spend more time with your loved ones. This is a good time for love and companionship. Enjoy emotional moments that will make your relationships stronger. Be health conscious. Dedication to yoga and meditation will give you mental peace. These activities will keep not only your body but also your mind active. Overall, today will be full of possibilities for you. Stay committed to your dreams and work on them.

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Capricorn

Ganesha says your day is full of some new possibilities. You will experience grace and stability in your actions. This is the time to focus on your goals and work with determination to pursue your plans. You are likely to get success in your work, especially if you maintain your hard work and dedication. Positive changes can also be seen in your relationships. You will get a chance to spend time with family and listen to them, which will increase mutual understanding and depth. Focus on communication, as it will make your relationships stronger. However, it is also time to make monthly plans. Take care of your financial matters and try to save. This is the time when you can take concrete steps for your future. Your health condition is likely to remain normal but take some rest. Maintaining a mental balance will be important for you. Stay positive and keep faith in your actions!

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Sagittarius

Ganesha says today will be full of new possibilities and positive energy for you. You will feel a rise in your confidence, which will keep you open to new opportunities. This is the right time to make an important decision. Your spirituality and intuition will be strong, which will enable you to understand and face difficulties. Spending time with friends and family will awaken a sense of happiness and satisfaction in your mind. Relationships with colleagues at work can take a new direction. Cooperation and communication will help solve problems. If you face an obstacle or challenge, remember that you can overcome it. In terms of health, you may need to make a little improvement in your routine. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will give you freshness and energy. Strengthening social relationships and contacting new people will also be beneficial today. This is the time for self-growth and positive change for you, so recognize the energy within you and use it properly.

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Scorpio

Ganesha says today will be full of enthusiasm and energy. You will move towards achieving your goals, and your hard work will pay off. Social life will also be active; you will get a good chance to spend time with friends and family. In terms of health, take a little caution. Focusing on meditation and exercise will help reduce mental stress. This is also a good time to take up a new hobby, which can unleash your creativity. Take wise steps in terms of money. Make informed decisions while investing. For potential financial gains, take a look at past projects again. Your career is showing good signs of progress. Your ideas may be appreciated at the workplace, which will increase your confidence. Still, some issues may require restraint. Overall, today will prove to be positive and auspicious for you. Spend it with pride with your loved ones.

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Libra

Ganesha says today will be a very auspicious and positive day. You will get a chance to clarify your thoughts, which will bring stability to your personal and professional relationships. Your communication skills will increase, and this will open the doors of new possibilities for you. Your creativity and aesthetic sense will be especially strong today. If you are associated with any art or design, your work will be appreciated. This is the right time to express your feelings. If you are confused about a decision, trust your intuition; it will show you the right path. In terms of health, small changes can make your life better. Focus on regular exercise and a balanced diet. In love and relationships, a new understanding will develop, which will strengthen the mutual bond even more. Overall, this day is a sign of positive changes and new beginnings for you. Stay focused on your goals and recognize your inner strengths.

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Virgo

Ganesha says today is a suitable day to highlight your cognitive abilities and business skills. Today, you will be full of clarity and precision in your actions, which will increase your value among your colleagues and superiors. There is a possibility of bringing some changes to your routine, which will bring positive results for you. This is a good time to improve relations with family members. Try to resolve any old disputes, and keep communication open. In terms of health, meditation and yoga will bring mental peace. Also, take some time out of your routine for exercise. From a financial point of view, this is the right time to make a good plan for the right investment. Take a good look at the options available to you and make a wise decision. Overall, today will prove to be a day of new possibilities and positive changes for you. Be full of confidence and stay focused on your goals.

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Leo

Ganesha says today will be a day full of energy and inspiration. Your confidence will increase and your thoughts will come out with clarity. On this day, you will be able to see some new possibilities in your career, which will bring you hard work. Mutual understanding and harmony will increase your relationship, which will create a happy atmosphere among the family. This is a great time to express your thoughts clearly, so do not hesitate to communicate with your partner or friends. It is important to be health conscious, a little exercise and meditation will maintain your mental and physical health. Overall, this day will bring activity and positivity for you, so make the most of all the opportunities!

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Cancer

Ganesha says it will be a day of information and communication for you. Your mind will be full of ideas and you will be able to express your ideas well. There is a possibility of some new opportunities in professional life, which can prove beneficial for you. It is a good time to strengthen relationships with your colleagues, so work together at the workplace. Your emotional state will also be strong. Time spent with family will give you satisfaction. If you have any old problem going on, then the right time is coming to solve it. However, you need to keep your emotions under control, so that you do not get agitated over small things. In terms of health, try to practice yoga and meditation. It will empower you both mentally and physically. Take informed decisions in financial matters; do not rush into any investments. In summary, this day will be all about communication and cooperation, which will lead to positive changes for you.

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Gemini

Ganesha says there will be a new energy and freshness in your thoughts, which will make your personality even more attractive. Social contacts are likely to increase, which will expand your network. You will be inspired to spend blissful time with your friends and family. Some positive changes can also be seen in the business sector. The results of your hard work will gradually start coming, and this will motivate you to move forward. Keep in mind that while sharing your ideology, work with empathy, this will strengthen your relationship with colleagues. It is important to be health conscious. A little attention and relaxation will give you mental freshness. Practicing yoga or meditation will be beneficial for you. This day will be full of positivity and new possibilities for you. Express your mind openly and do not hesitate to adopt new ideas.

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Taurus

Ganesha says it will prove to be a positive day for you, Taurus. You will feel energetic and full of confidence. The time has come to reap the fruits of your hard work and efforts. The workload may stress you for a while, but you will face all the challenges recognizing your strengths. Sweetness will also remain in your relationships. Spending time with your family and friends will be a source of joy for you. Conversation with someone special can give you a new vision and promote mutual understanding. A special occasion may be organized among friends or family, which will bring happiness and harmony to you. Moments spent with loved ones will give you mental peace. It is important to be health conscious. A little exercise or yoga will give peace to your mind and energy to your body. Your day will be full of happiness and positivity, just keep your thoughts and emotions balanced.

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03-06-2026