New Delhi: Marking India’s 79th Independence Day, Tihar Jail authorities granted special remission to 1,497 convicts, while the Delhi government announced ₹145.58 crore for constructing a new prison in Narela to reduce overcrowding in the national capital’s jails.
Director General (Prisons) Satish Golchha, speaking during the flag-hoisting ceremony at Tihar Prison Headquarters on Friday, said that inmates who demonstrated good conduct received special remission between 15 to 25 days. “Remission reduces the sentence period without altering its nature,” he explained.
Established in 1957, Tihar Jail is Asia’s largest prison complex, housing over 18,000 inmates across 16 facilities. Jail No. 6 and Jail No. 16 are exclusively for women prisoners. Golchha also revealed that the prison department had recently taken charge of the Lampur Detention Centre, which accommodates around 273 foreign nationals.
Highlighting reform measures, Golchha said the department is strengthening its “correctional philosophy” through education, vocational training, and the ‘Unnati’ cognitive behavioural programme run by the BPR&D in collaboration with Osmania University. Around 600 inmates are currently enrolled, while other organisations are also providing skill development programmes across prisons.
He further stated that the department has implemented Section 479 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and is preparing to launch online court production via video conferencing. An intelligence cell has been set up to boost prison security, and specialist doctors have been recruited for in-prison medical care.
In terms of staffing, Golchha noted that 3,247 new posts were created last year, leading to internal promotions, while the DSSSB has advertised 1,697 warder posts and 93 assistant superintendent posts to strengthen manpower.
“The upcoming Narela jail will be a major step towards decongesting Delhi’s prisons and improving living conditions for inmates,” Golchha added.
