143 prisoners to celebrate Diwali with family following Gujarat government decision

An important decision has been taken by the Gujarat government under the state's prisoner welfare and prison reform program. 143 eligible prisoners serving sentences in various correctional facilities across the state will be granted 15 days of special parole to spend time with their families on the auspicious occasion of the Diwali festival. This decision has been taken under the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi.

According to a report by Sandesh, the main purpose of this parole is to accelerate the rehabilitation process among prisoners and give them an opportunity to celebrate the festival joyfully with their relatives. Under this scheme, the prisoners will be released from jail on the auspicious day of Dhanteras, coming November 6. During this 15-day period, they will be able to celebrate the festival of lights of Diwali staying at their family homes.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, the state government has been granting 15 days of parole to prisoners every year on the occasion of Diwali since the year 2003. Under this policy, priority is given especially to elderly and women prisoners. Among the 143 prisoners receiving the benefit this year, there are 103 male prisoners aged 60 years or above and 40 female prisoners.

However, this benefit will not be available to every prisoner. According to K.L.N. Rao, Director General of Police, Gujarat Jail and Correctional Administration, prisoners involved in serious crimes are not eligible for Diwali parole as per state government rules. This decision has been taken to maintain security and law and order.

According to a government press release, prisoners involved in serious and anti-social crimes have been excluded from this scheme. This list includes prisoners convicted of crimes such as rape, kidnapping, robbery, dacoity, theft or extortion. In addition, prisoners against whom orders of preventive detention are in force will also not get this benefit.

Other excluded prisoners include those whose appeals are pending in the High Court. Prisoners serving sentences under the NDPS Act, TADA and POTA, prisoners involved in terrorist activities or prisoners involved in activities harming the state's economy will also not get this parole. Furthermore, prisoners convicted of more than one crime, NRI prisoners and prisoners from other states will also not be given the benefit of this scheme.