Various schemes initiated for modernization of prisons
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, June 15 2016: The Government of Manipur initiates various schemes for modernisation of prisons in the State with a funding from Central Government.

The Non-Plan Scheme for Rs 1572 lakh at the rate of Rs 314 lakh each year under five-year perspective plan for modernization of prisons in Manipur starting from 2002-03 to 2006-07 (extended upto March 31, 2009) on 75 pc :25 pc cost sharing basis between Central and State Governments came into effect actually from 2004-05 .

The Jail Department has taken up various essential works for upgradation and modernisation of prisons administration at a cost of Rs 500 lakh and prison infrastructures at a cost of Rs 600 lakh under SPA during the year 2010-11.And under the Special Development Fund, ten mobile phone jammers were installed.

To meet the manpower shortage, 136 staff were recruited by filling up the existing vacancies in the Department.

The Jail Department, Manipur has taken up various innovative activities during the last 14 years for the welfare of prisoners.

Special literacy classes and skill development programme are being run for women inmates at Manipur Central Jail, Imphal by the Jail Department to make them learn read and write in Manipuri and English.

An IGNOU Special Study Centre has been started at Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa.

Twelve inmates of Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa appeared the Bachelors Preparatory Programme (BPP) examination held on Dec 9, 2015.Now, 27 inmates have admitted for the above course.

Vocational training has been organized for female prisoners in making of incense sticks , doll, dish washing liquid, detergent making, spinning of silk thread from muga cocoon and embroidery by hand under the supervision of one female craft instructor of Jail Department so that they can earn their livelihood after their release from the jail.

The female inmates are also imparted tailoring and embroidery training by rotation under the supervision of well experience instructor sponsored by the Social Welfare Department, Manipur.

Free legal aid is provided to the inmates of both Central jails.

Two Legal Aid Clinic cells ie one at Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa on Jan 24, 2014 and another at Manipur Central Jail, Imphal on Oct 12, 2015 have been opened for providing free legal aid to the prisoners.

Panel of lawyers nominated by the Member Secretary, Manipur State Legal Services Authority visited the jails regularly to provide free legal aid to the prisoners.

For operationalisation of e-Court video conferencing facilities at Manipur Central Jail, Imphal and Central Jail, Sajiwa with different Courts of Manipur, leased line connection for video conferencing facilities has been completed by BSNL after payment of cost of lease lines.

The physical installation of necessary media provision for 4 mbps link between Manipur Central Jail, Imphal and NIC Secretariat building, Imphal has been completed by BSNL.

Accordingly, VC Division, NIC, New Delhi has created and uploaded the required web VC account in respect of Manipur Central Jail, Imphal on march 16, 2016.Hence, the e-Court video conferencing facilities at Manipur Central Jail, Imphal will be inaugurated and operationlised very shortly.

The same facility in respect of Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa was inaugurated by the Chief Justice, Manipur High Court on Sept 21, 2013 and tested with JMFC, Moreh on the inauguration of this Court on the same day.

The administration of Manipur Central Jail, Imphal and Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa has been motivated and mobilized by NGOs, prayer groups and other like-minded spiritual leaders to conduct spiritual counselling for jail inmates particularly religion based "healing techniques", for "mind-soul-body" to wean away the hardened mindset of the prisoners from anti-national and criminal tendencies etc.

Body building equipment were donated by Animal Gym owner RK Vishwajit for the prisoners of Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa on July 14, 2012.This was improved upon by the department and has benefited many prisoners.

Recreational facilities have been provided like carrom, ludo, chess, volley ball, badminton.

In addition, library facilities with local and national newspapers are made available.

Yoga classes are also conducted regularly by the Art of Living, Manipur Chapter.

The Jail Department also organized awareness and treatment programme on HIV/AIDS to the inmates through doctors, Manipur Network for Positive (MNP+) and Manipur Aids Control Society, Imphal, Rural Medical & Health Care Centre, Thoubal and Social Awareness Service Organization (SASO).

HIV/AIDS testing facilities for the inmates lodged in Manipur Central Jail, Imphal and Central Jail, Sajiwa has been provided through Manipur Aids Control Society (MACS), JNIMS and SASO from time to time as per guide lines issued by World Health Organisation (WHO).

28 jail executive staff have received President's Correctional Service Medal for Meritorious Service in recognition of their good performance towards the correctional services.

The Jail Department contingent has won 3rd position in 2014 and 1st position in 2015 on the Republic Day parade.

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