As a six-month-long government scheme to decongest prisons comes to an end this month, over 1.3 lakh undertrials languishing in various jails have either being released or granted bail.

According to latest figures made available by the law ministry, 1,33,664 undertrials were released or granted bail between January 26 and June 30 as part of the scheme which comes to an end on July 31.

Up to 70 per cent of around three lakh undertrials in the country are to be released or granted bail under the scheme that came into effect on Republic Day.

The scheme is being implemented in consonance with the various High Courts of the country and is aimed at decongesting jails.

The Allahabad High Court has so far taken the lead with the release of 39,406 undertrials in Uttar Pradesh.

While Orissa has released 13,664 undertrials, the Andhra Pradesh High Court monitored the release or bail of 13,298 undertrials in that state.

In Delhi, 8,701 undertrials were released between January and June, officials said quoting the latest update.

As part of the scheme, chief justices of High Courts had appointed task force headed by executive chairman of Legal Service Authority or a senior judge selected by the chief justice of the High Court.

The Task Force identified jails, implemented programmes and monitored progress on a weekly basis.

There are 1500 jails in the country with a capacity to house two lakh prisoners. But the total number of prisoners -- including undertrials -- is pegged at over three lakh.

Law minister M Veerappa Moily had recently said that the Government was also contemplating "alternatives to imprisonment", including community service and monetary fine in some cases.