Incidence of recidivism in the year 2013

Recidivism denotes a tendency to relapse into a previous condition or mode of behaviour; especially relapse into criminal behaviour. The number of convicts admitted in all the States and UTs of India during the year 2013 was 191144. Out of these, the number of habitual offenders was 6636. Thus, the percentage of recidivism (i.e. the percentage of habitual offenders among the total convicts admitted) was 3.47%.

The top 5 States/UTs in recidivism in percentage terms were Puducherry, Mizoram, Jharkhand, Delhi and West Bengal. In Puducherry, the number of convicts admitted during the year 2013 was 166. Out of these, the number of habitual offenders was 39. Thus, the percentage of recidivism was 23.49%. In Mizoram, the number of convicts admitted during the year 2013 was 2540. Out of these, the number of habitual offenders was 491. Thus, the percentage of recidivism was 19.33%. In Jharkhand, the number of convicts admitted during the year 2013 was 2863. Out of these, the number of habitual offenders was 499. Thus, the percentage of recidivism was 17.43%. In Delhi, the number of convicts admitted during the year 2013 was 7015. Out of these, the number of habitual offenders was 1103. Thus, the percentage of recidivism was 15.72%. In West Bengal, the number of convicts admitted during the year 2013 was 9152. Out of these, the number of habitual offenders was 982. Thus, the percentage of recidivism was 10.73%.

In rest of the States/UTs of India, the recidivism in percentage terms was in single digits i.e. less than 10%.

Note: Figures are in number. Prison Statistics India 2013, National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).