Assam's Jails Experience Significant Decrease in Overcrowding
Improved Conditions in Assam's Prisons
Guwahati, Jan 11: The prisons in Assam are on the verge of overcoming their notorious overcrowding issue, thanks to the release of numerous minor offenders on personal recognizance (PR) bonds.
According to a recent announcement from the Prisons Department, the total number of inmates across all jails is now only about 1,200 over the official capacity, a significant reduction from previous figures that reached into the thousands. Assam's jails are designed to accommodate 10,400 inmates, but currently house approximately 11,536 individuals.
Among the six central jails in the state, three have already reduced their inmate numbers below capacity, including those in Tezpur, Dibrugarh, and Jorhat. The other central jails are expected to follow suit shortly.
The Guwahati Central Jail, the largest facility in Assam, has released nearly 400 inmates in the past three months. Originally built for 1,400 prisoners, it had been under immense pressure in recent years.
In September 2025, the inmate count was around 1,800, comprising 76 women. This included 1,406 men and 60 women who were undertrial prisoners, alongside 305 men and 15 women who were convicts. At one point in 2023-24, the population soared to nearly 2,000, far exceeding its capacity.
The Supreme Court mandated the release of undertrial prisoners on PR bonds, even if they could not provide local surety. The court emphasized that no undertrial should remain in custody solely due to their inability to secure surety, advocating for release on personal bonds to ensure fairness.
Officials have noted that these releases have significantly alleviated the strain on prison facilities and staff, effectively addressing the immediate overcrowding issue. "It has eased the pressure on resources and personnel," stated a source.
The overcrowding crisis intensified between 2023 and 2025, driven by a surge in arrests across the state, primarily under the NDPS Act and the POCSO Act.
This spike in arrests pushed the Guwahati Central Jail well beyond its sanctioned limits, raising serious concerns regarding space and safety.
"The reduction in overcrowding is somewhat linked to the number of cases filed. However, the decision to release minor offenders on PR bonds is a positive move," remarked a senior official from Assam Police.
The total number of cases reported at various police stations has significantly decreased from 133,239 in 2021 to just 43,748 in 2025.
"Chargesheets were filed in 81% of the registered cases. Furthermore, the conviction rate has risen from 6% in 2021 to 26.38% in 2025, compared to the national average of 35%."