Date:04/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/04/stories/2007060405591200.htm

National

Amnesty for 4,000 prisoners

Atiq Khan

To mark 12 years of the first BSP Government in U.P.

Gesture only to petty criminals showing exemplary conduct in jail

June 3 to be dedicated to the welfare of all sections

LUCKNOW : To mark 12 years of the formation of the first Bahujan Samaj Party Government in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Mayawati on Sunday announced the release of over 4000 male and female prisoners, who have been serving jail terms for petty offences and whose conduct in prison has been exemplary.

The Chief Minister clarified that the Government's amnesty would not apply to those jailed for heinous crimes.

As per Sections 195, 196 and 197 of the Uttar Pradesh Jail Manual, the State had the power to give such amnesty. The decision was taken at last Friday's Cabinet meeting presided over by Ms. Mayawati.

Addressing a press conference, Ms. Mayawati said the decision taken on humanitarian grounds was in tune with her Government's policy of "sarvajan hitaya sarvajan sukhaya" (equality-based society). She said the move would enable them and their families to make a new beginning. Ms. Mayawati described it as a step to end social ills and for the convicts' rehabilitation. The Chief Minister said the Government would consider providing them with some economic incentive.

Recalling that it was on June 3, 1995 she took over as the Chief Minister for the first time, Ms. Mayawati said it was a historic day and a milestone in the Bahujan Samaj movement.