New Delhi: In a unique initiative to spread public awareness Puducherry prison launched the comprehensive prison reform program in association with Aurobindo society and Vivekananda college with respect to skill development and with Pondicherry University and PIMS for free counseling of inmates.
The inauguration ceremony took place on the prison premises. Prison Superintendent Gopinath was welcomed by Prisons Department Principal Superintendent Kumar. Prison IG Ravideep Singh was addressed by Aurobindo Society Executive Member Vijay Bodar, Vivekananda Community College Founder Subramanian and Satya Special School Director Chitrasha.
So far counseling of inmates was never done as we did not have trained pyschologist in prison, said Ravideep Singh ChaharI, IGPrisons, Puducherry
‘The inmates held amazing yoga and cultural prog and I distributed sweets to them and also explained the various initiatives I plan to take for the inmates as well as the prison staff in the coming 6 months to an year. We inaugurated the home décor unit as well which will develop products that will b sold thru aurobindo society outlets and earn income for inmates. Subsequently gaushala and organic farming is also on the anvil. Goal is to make Puducherry prison as a model prison in the coming year !!’, he further added
The management is trying to convert it into a new prison model. Inmates will be provided training in home decoration, bike/motor mechanic, computer training, cow and poultry farming.
The ability to improve livelihoods will be taught in the prison and Home-made items made by prisoners are to be sold through shops and online by the Aurobindo Society.