IMPHAL, Nov 26 UNA : Prison, in modern times, is intended for the twin purpose of penal confinement and also correctional place for reintroducing them as normal persons back to mainstream life. Currently, more than 700 male inmates belonging to various militants groups and criminals involved in drug trafficking, murder, rape etc. are lodged in Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa.
It was the endeavour of the Manipur state Prison authorities led by ADGP MK Das and SP Jails IK Muivah who were taking up an effective correctional measure to reform and rehabilitate the jail inmates so that they can lead a normal mainstream life after they are released from the prison.
With correctional measures in mind, the Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa has, in recent time, undertook several reforms . One of the most successful ones was the introduction of bodybuilding with facilities of a gym donated by RK Biswajit of Animal gym.
More than hundred inmates are visiting the gym daily on shift basis and the result was clearly evident in the much better health of those who visited the gym. It was primarily donated for the rehabilitation of drug users for them to develop good health and have the will power to overcome addiction.
Many have developed very good physique by using the facility at Sajiwa Jail and have vowed never to return to drugs and old bad habits.
Another highly successful reform being taken up in the central jail was the introduction of Yogathon and Prison Smart Course by Art of Living, Imphal Chapter led by Roshni Kumar Sharma. Prison Smart Course was initially started by Kiran Bedi at Tihar Jail in association with the Art of Living.
In Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa, batches of about 70 prison inmates at a time were taught in one week module format. This has resulted in healing of physical ailments in the participants and many have attained peace of mind by performing Yoga.
It aims to cover all the 700 prisoners by conducting several courses in the coming months so that it can contribute to both welfare of the prisoner as well their reformation with developing positive mindset which will help them return to normal life after coming out from prison.
IGNOU special study centre has been set up in Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa and Imphal and prisoners can take up various correspondence courses. Fees for admission, text books and examinations have all been made free and they can continue to avail the same facility even after coming out from prison.
Smuggling of illegal banned items including mobile phones into the prison has drastically come down due to adopting stringent methods of three tier checking. All prison inmates’ visitors including prison officials and posted security personnel are also thoroughly checked. This has led to detecting and arresting 3 (three) security personnel (VDFs) on two occasions for trying to smuggle in illegal banned items in the prison.
Games facilities such as volleyballs, caroms, chess, ludos etc are also provided as recreational activities besides daily newspapers for the inmates. Vocational training is being given to female prisoners in Manipur Central Jail, Imphal making of detergent, dish wash, incense sticks, cane stools, children toys, embroidery, knitting etc.
Neat haircut, hygiene and overall cleanliness of the rooms and compound has been emphasized to inculcate discipline which will aid in their rehabilitation into the mainstream society after they come out from prison.
Spiritual Counseling works also been carried out by the Counsellors in prisons. Many prisoners mindset have been changed in a positive way due the regular spiritual counseling works carried out at Manipur central Jails, Imphal and Sajiwa Jail.
Members of the Manipur Commission on Women have distributed shawls to women prisoners and NGOs such as Ningol Ministry organized feast for the women prisoners on Ningol Chakkouba.
Aids prevention and assistance to HIV prevention has been carried out by Manipur Aids Control Society MACs and Manipur Network for positive People. They have carried out various awareness program and workshop in the prison and also provided regular assistance to the HIV infected inmates such as in procuring ART medicines and conducting medical tests.
The posted personnel of the Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa and Imphal which consists of jail officials, 3 and 4 IRBs, CDOs, Home Guards MR and VDF have combined morning roll calls on Wednesday and Saturday and combined Shramdhan for promoting the cleanliness and neatness of the jail campus. Recently it also carried out Gandhi Jayenti Cleanliness week in which hundreds of security personals clean up the neighbouring areas outside the jail campus areas.
The effort of the Jail staffs has been appreciated by the Ministry of Home Affair Delhi, which awarded meritorious medals to two staffs of the jail on 2012 Independence Day.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/sajiwa-jail-as-reformation-centre/
