18 lifers to be released from Central prison soon

Rajamahendravaram: Over 18 life prisoners will be released in three days from central prison as against 58 lifers who applied for their release and the government issued a GO No 75 on Friday in this regard.

Officials of central prison recommended the names of 58 eligible prisoners for their release as per the GO No 8 issued on January 23 in connection with Republic Day. But, the committee appointed by the government accorded permission for the release of 18 prisoners only. 

Speaking to The Hans India, here on Saturday, central prison superintendent PG Sairam Prakash said out of 18 prisoners, 15 completed 10-year imprisonment including three years of good behaviour and 3 prisoners completed 20 years of imprisonment including six years of good behaviour in the prison.

The government kept the GO in the website but waiting for orders from Director-General of Prisons. After getting nod, the information will be sent to family members of prisoners who are supposed to release.  

Currently, there are 1,450 prisoners in the central prison of which 950 prisoners are sentenced to life, he added. The prisoners were involved in manufacturing various items including steel furniture such as desks, benches, almirahs, gates, coir mats, towels, lungis and notebooks in the prison. 

The government is aimed to train them in various trades to get their livelihood after releasing from the prison and central prison stood first in implementing jail reforms, he told. Moreover, IOL and HPCL  came forward to set up petrol bunks where prisoners of open air jail can work under the supervision of central prison.

The existing IOL petrol bunk is doing a business of Rs 21 lakh per day, he added. The companies will issue certificates to respective prisoners who worked in bunks which helps them to get jobs after their release.