BHOPAL: While passing through the Bhopal Central Jail campus, if you happen to see a decent colony of 2 BHK apartments coming up in its vicinity, don't feel inclined to book one there. It's a colony indeed, but not for you and me.It's for prisoners, who have been in jail for years and have maintained good conduct. Before their release, the jail administration wants them to seamlessly integrate with the society outside. So, they will be shifted into apartments in the Open Jail Colony for the last two years of their term. The open jail, which will be sixth in the state, would be ready by this month-end."Ten to 20 prisoners, who have served 12 years in jail, would be shifted in the 2 BHK houses. There they will live with their family or parents for next two years-till their release. They will be allowed to go to work during the day, between 6 am to 6 pm," said Sanjay Chaudhary , director general (jail).Initially, the jail administration would provide them with ration for a month and utensils."It will be an initial help to let them make a start. But, that won't be all. I am sure, many people, groups and NGOs will also come forward to help them once the initial step is taken," said Chaudhary.A committee headed by DG (jail) and comprising ADG (jail), DIG (jail) and superintendent of the jail concerned would identify the prisoners, who would be shifted to the Open Jail. At present, Hoshangabad Satna , Jabalpur, Sagar and Indore have Open Jails, where prisoners live with their families and serve out the last two years of their jail term.Superintendent of Bhopal Central Jail Dinesh Nargave, who is overseeing the development of the Open Jail Colony in Bhopal, said: "Eight houses are ready in the colony and four more will be ready shortly. Initially, we propose to shift 12 prisoners. They all were convicted for murder under section 302 of the IPC, but their crime was more of 'incidental' nature than deliberate. Of course, their conduct during the period in jail has been excellent.""They have been in isolation for years. If two years before release, they are provided an atmosphere in which people like you and me live, life following the release from jail would be easier for them," said Nargave.

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