For, coming up soon on a 10-acre plot in Buxar is the state's first open jail. Work has been going on in full swing, and the jail would be ready by October this year. The state government has sanctioned Rs 4 crore for the purpose.

Unlike other jails, which have wards and cells, this open jail would have 100 1BHK sets which would be allotted to equal number of prisoners. The prisoners would be allowed to keep their family members in these dwelling units. While the cost of food of prisoners would be borne by the government, family members would have to pay for their food.

The state government has also framed a `Bihar Open Prison Rules- 2008' to govern the functioning of the open jail. Apart from the eligibility criteria and norms for selection of prisoners for the open jail, the rulebook has details regarding the works the prisoners can take up while serving their term.

The prisoners would be allowed not only to do some work on the jail premises but also to go outside the jail for work provided the workplace is in the radius of five km. The inmates, however, can take up work only during daytime and they would have to come back by the time of evening roll-call. The inmates would also be allowed to have a savings account in the nearest bank or post office for depositing their income.