Guwahati: Lok Sabha MP from Nagaon, Pradyut Bordoloi, on Friday raised concerns in Parliament over undertrial prisoners and jail conditions in Assam, citing a lack of transparency and accountability in official data, as revealed through an unstarred question (No. 3408) answered by the Ministry of Law and Justice.
An official reply in Parliament indicated that the latest available NCRB data on prisoners in Assam is only up to 2023 and does not provide specific details on prison conditions, prompting criticism from some political quarters.
“#TodayInParliament I learnt that the latest NCRB data available is for the year 2023, and the Govt. refused to provide details of the conditions of prisoners in the jails of Assam. Where are the accountability and transparency promised!? #ParliamentWithPradyut @INCAssam,” Bordoloi wrote on his official X handle.
The issue stemmed from Bordoloi’s question seeking detailed information on undertrial prisoners in Assam, including those detained for over one year and over five years, the functioning of Under Trial Review Committees (UTRCs), access to legal aid, and whether a uniform national reporting mechanism would be introduced for monitoring such cases.
In its reply, the Ministry of Law and Justice stated that, according to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2023, Assam has 3,096 convicted prisoners and 7,546 undertrial prisoners (UTPs).
Among the UTPs, 1,243 have been in confinement for one to five years, while 147 undertrials have been lodged in jail for more than five years, highlighting prolonged incarceration without conviction.
Regarding UTRCs, the government informed Parliament that meetings are held quarterly under the supervision of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
In Assam, 166 UTRC meetings were held in 2024, recommending 2,617 prisoners for bail or release, of whom 1,456 were actually released.
In 2025 (up to September), 99 meetings were held, 1,416 inmates were recommended, and 793 were released.
The reply also detailed legal aid measures, stating that Prison Legal Services Clinics operate in Assam jails. In 2024, 283 clinics facilitated visits to 40,642 inmates, providing legal assistance to 30,631 individuals.
In 2025 (up to September), the number rose to 337 clinics, with 29,765 inmates visited and 22,952 provided legal help.
However, the Centre clarified that “Prisons and Prisoners” fall under the State List of the Constitution, making the Assam government responsible for prison administration and monitoring.
The absence of detailed information on jail conditions has led to calls for improved transparency and accountability in Assam’s prison system.