Tihar Jail, also known as Tihar Prisons and Tihar Ashram, is a big prison place in India. This place in India is really big and has nine different prisons. They cover more than 400 acres altogether. The government of Delhi runs it, especially the Department of Delhi Prisons runs it.

There are 9 main prisons in Tihar Jail, making it one of the 3 main prison areas in the Delhi. The other 2 are in Rohini & Mandoli, with one and 6 central prisons respectively. Mainly Tihar Prison is in Janakpuri, which is around 3 kilometers from Tihar village in West Delhi.

This prison sees itself as a place for correcting people’s behavior. The main goal of this prision is to help inmates become regular members of society again. In Tihar Jail they do this by teaching them useful skills, giving them education, & making them understand & respect the law.

The main aim is to make the inmates feel better about themselves & want to improve. They use music therapy, which means they have music lessons & concerts to help inmates. The prison even has its own radio station, managed by inmates. There’s also a section where inmates work to make products branded with ‘Tihar’.

In December 2023, Tihar jail had 20,000 people in it, but it’s built to hold only 10,026. That means there were twice as many inmates as there should be compared to 2018.

History

Originally, Tihar was the big prison in Punjab, but in 1966, it came under Delhi’s Government control. From 1984, they built more buildings, making it Tihar Prison, India’s biggest jail.

Kiran Bedi, a police officer, made big changes when she was in the charge. She renamed it Tihar Ashram & started a meditation program called Vipassana, taught by S.N. Goenka, for both prisoners & staff. One prisoner even passed a hard exam to become a civil servant.

Lots of inmates study more while in prison, & they can even get jobs when they finish their sentences. In 2014, 66 inmates with good behavior got the job offers from 31 different places, like schools & companies, with salaries up to ₹35,000 (US$440) per month.

Jail factory

In 1961, the Jail Factory started in Central Jail No.2, Tihar. It grew to include many activities like Carpentry, Weaving, Tailoring, and more. In 2009, they partnered with private companies to make shoes, called TJ’s. Around 700 people in jail work here. Some of the money they earn goes to help people who were hurt and their families. Now, they’re teaching 1,200 inmates skills so they can get jobs when they leave jail.

Escapes

In February 2004, Sher Singh Rana, who was arrested for the killing Phoolan Devi in 2001, ran away from Tihar jail & They caught him again in 2006, this time in the Kolkata.

Then, in June 2015, 2 prisoners who were waiting for their trial in Tihar jail escaped by pitting a tunnel.

Conclusion

In India, Tihar Jail has nine prisons and aims to rehabilitate inmates for reintegration into society. Originally a detention center, it has evolved into a center focused on skill-building, education, and behavioral correction. Among inmates, vocational training, music therapy, and meditation programs have been implemented to foster positive changes. Tihar Jail continues to facilitate inmates’ transformation and eventual reintegration into society, despite challenges such as overcrowding and security breaches.

Frequently Asked Question

What is Tihar Jail?

Tihar Jail, also known as Tihar Prisons or Tihar Ashram, is a large correctional facility located in India. It comprises nine different prisons spread over 400 acres of land in Janakpuri, West Delhi. The facility is operated by the Department of Delhi Prisons under the Government of Delhi.

What is the main goal of Tihar Jail?

The primary objective of Tihar Jail is rehabilitation. It aims to reform inmates and facilitate their integration back into society by providing education, vocational training, and instilling respect for the law. The focus is on improving inmates’ self-esteem and encouraging them to strive for personal improvement.

How does Tihar Jail facilitate rehabilitation?

Tihar Jail employs various methods to aid in the rehabilitation process. These include offering educational programs, vocational training, and music therapy sessions. Inmates are encouraged to participate in skill-building activities and can even work in a section producing products branded with ‘Tihar’. Additionally, the facility has its own radio station managed by inmates.

What is the history of Tihar Jail?

Originally established as a prison in Punjab, Tihar came under the control of the Delhi government in 1966. Significant developments occurred from 1984 onwards, leading to its transformation into India’s largest correctional facility. Notably, former police officer Kiran Bedi implemented reforms during her tenure, including the introduction of meditation programs like Vipassana.

Feel free to check out our latest article on Let’s Learn Something About Kalpana Chawla