Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday said that greater emphasis should be placed on sports activities, skill development programmes and rehabilitation measures to ensure the mental well‑being and successful reintegration of inmates lodged in the state’s correctional institutions and prisons.
While chairing a high‑level meeting on the reform and modernisation of the Central Correctional Institution and other prisons in the state, the Chief Minister said inmates should be equipped with vocational skills so that they can earn a livelihood after completing their prison terms and returning to society.
“If inmates receive skill development training while serving their sentences, they will be able to earn a living by taking up various occupations after their release. Those who return to the social mainstream after completing their sentences should also be monitored and supported to ensure they can rebuild their lives successfully,” Saha said.
He stressed that prison reforms should focus not only on security and infrastructure but also on the physical, mental and emotional well‑being of inmates. The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure adequate nutrition, proper medical treatment and overall welfare of prisoners.
He also underlined the need to expand sports and recreational activities inside correctional institutions, saying such initiatives would help improve inmates’ mental health and contribute to their rehabilitation. The meeting reviewed various aspects of prison administration, including infrastructure, inmate welfare, rehabilitation initiatives and measures aimed at modernising correctional institutions in line with contemporary standards.
Jail (Home) and Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma, who also attended the review meeting, said in a post on her X handle: “Guided by the recent directives of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, we are committed to driving systemic reforms, enhancing security infrastructure, and integrating technology for a more secure and efficient correctional system.”
During the meeting, Prisons Secretary Brijesh Pandey gave a detailed presentation on the functioning of the Central Correctional Institution and other prisons across the state. He briefed the Chief Minister on the number of inmates lodged in different correctional facilities and outlined the arrangements for food, healthcare, reading materials, including books and newspapers, sports facilities, and other amenities provided to prisoners.
The meeting also discussed measures to further strengthen prison reforms through improved infrastructure, enhanced rehabilitation programmes and skill development initiatives aimed at facilitating the successful reintegration of inmates into society after their release.
Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, Director General of Police Anurag, Drinking Water and Sanitation Department Secretary Abhishek Singh, Inspector General (Prisons) Ashim Saha and senior officials of various concerned departments attended the meeting.