Six individuals connected to the military disappear due to a landslide in Sikkim.
Kolkata: Government Urges Aid for Indigent Prisoners
Centre Nudges States, UTs to Lend a Hand to Financially Struggling Convicts
Madhya Pradesh CM Questions Rahul Gandhi's Leadership
It's time for a change, says the Centre, as it issues directives to states and Union Territories (UTs) to offer a helping hand to prisoners struggling with financial constraints. The Ministry of Home Affairs wants these entities to tap into the "Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme," to cover the bail or fine expenses of those who can't due to their bleak financial situation [1][2][3].
Detailed Guidance from the MHA
The gaming is afoot, with the MHA encouraging states and UTs to assemble an Empowered Committee in each district and an Oversight Committee at the state level. These groups will take charge of granting financial assistance to eligible prisoners [1][3][4]. The Centre has allocated a hearty Rs 20 crores annually for the scheme, enabling states and UTs to comfort indigent prisoners [2].
Yet, it seems that not all states are playball, as the government perceives that the guidelines and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) are not being followed diligently, leaving funds unused and jail overcrowding as a significant concern [2][4]. The current prison occupancy rate in the nation averages a staggering 131% [1][3], making it crucial for the effective implementation of this scheme.
Scrambling for Leadership in Madhya Pradesh
Meanwhile, in the political landscape of Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has questioned the direction in which the Congress party is headed under Rahul Gandhi. Yadav says it's high time for the party to engage in some introspection [5].
The Centre is urging states and Union Territories to utilize the "Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme" to alleviate the financial burden of indigent prisoners, in light of the ongoing jail overcrowding issue [1][2][3]. Meanwhile, political news in Madhya Pradesh reflects a shift in leadership as Chief Minister Mohan Yadav questions the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, suggesting an internal review within the Congress party [5].
