Sajiwa Central jail: A model prison in the country
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Wahengbam Rorrkychand & Reena Nongmaithem
Imphal, October 01 2015:
With its extensive correctional measures to reform and rehabilitate the jail inmates, the Manipur Sajiwa Central Jail in Imphal East district is beginning to stand out as a typical model in the country.
The history of its correctional effort goes back to 1990s when GS Pandher (IPS), was Inspector General of Manipur Police.
He took various correctional and counselling measures to bring the inmates of jail into normal life.
After a short hiatus, former Superintendent of Sajiwa Jail, IK Muivah, who is the DIG (Range I) at present, again took up from where his former senior officer, Pandher left off.
In recognition of the effort, the coveted President's Correctional Service Medal for Meritorious Service was awarded to three personnel of Manipur Central Jail including Muivah on the occasion of 67th Independence Day, 2013 celebration.
The Sajiwa Central Jail holds the distinction of being the first jail in the Northeast India to have facilities of meditation, sports and other co-curricular activities for the inmates.
During a visit to the jail, Superintendent Wungkhai Phanitphang (MJS) said that a jail is a place for the confinement of people accused or convicted of a crime rather than a rehabilitation centre for the inmates.
In order to bring the inmates into normal life, various correctional facilities are provided.
As part of the undergoing reform measures, facilities like workshop and Industry for artisans, counselling sessions by experts, worshiping and free legal service/advice, IGNOU study centre, sports and other extra co-curriculum facilities are provided inside the jail.
With the support of jail staff and philanthropists, a special section for handicraft and gym has been opened.
Hundreds of inmates are visiting gym daily on shifts and the result is visible and remarkable, said the Jail SP.
Further, he also disclosed that a proposal has been made to State Home Department to provide some funds for the extensive reform measures that are being undertaken inside the four walls of the prison.
However, the Jail authority receives no funds so far.
Presently, a total of 623 male inmates including 42 convicts, 25 NSA detainees, 339 UTPs (Non Ext), 166 (UTPs Ext) and 51 UTPs (ND & PS) are in the jail as of Wednesday (September 30, 2015), he said.