In a first-of-its-kind initiative in Indian jails, Tihar has decided to offer all of its inmates life insurance. This will provide financial security to jail inmates, many of whom are supporting families outside the jail.

In many cases, the inmates are the sole "earning" members of the family and regularly send money for their sustenance. An untimely or sudden accident of a jail inmate can wipe out an entire family's financial support.

"Around 1,000 inmates have been shortlisted for the scheme. They will be paying the monthly premium of Rs 400 at half-yearly and annual intervals. This will greatly benefit their families as it gives regular life insurance benefits against accidents. We have done this in collaboration with Max New York Life Insurance and any inmate who wants to apply for it will be given the same," said Neeraj Kumar , director general (prisons).

Inmates will be paying for the premium from the wages earned in jail by them. "This scheme will also motivate them to earn more. They are all very excited because they are building their lives as responsible citizens in jail by working and earning money, looking after their family's welfare and making sound decisions. Apart from the financial assurance, it has the feel-good factor, which is important for any jail inmate's reformation," explained Kumar.

Inmates who are unable to make their premium payments will be helped by jail authorities. "To ensure that a jail inmate does not miss a payment, we will be allowing them to take loans from the Prisoner's Welfare Fund that is available to each inmate and can be paid back in easy instalments. We do not want anyone to be afraid of applying for a scheme that is for their welfare. In case they are worried that they won't be able to make a payment, they can always depend on the welfare fund," said a senior jail official.

Currently, Tihar Jail accommodates a staggering 12,500 jail inmates. Several of them are engaged in activities like carpentry, sewing and cooking among other occupations. "Inmates earn up to Rs 40,000 and above annually. Many put in extra hours at work which we encourage as long as it falls within the maximum hours of work an inmate can do in a week. Working prepares them for life outside ," said a senior Tihar official.