Rehabilitation Key to Prison System: Home Minister
Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha said prisons must function as an integral part of the criminal justice system, with a role that goes beyond custody to human dignity, rehabilitation, and social reintegration. She stressed modernisation, technology-based administration, and humane correctional practices while ensuring safety and security.
She addressed the valedictory session of the 9th National Conference of Correctional Administrators. The Andhra Pradesh Prisons Department organised the event with support from the Bureau of Police Research and Development.
Senior prison officials and experts held syndicate discussions on key policy and operational issues. Four groups reviewed the Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme and the Modernisation of Prisons Project. They also examined the adoption of the Model Prison Manual (2016), the Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act (2023), and Section 479 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
Delegates discussed the use of technology in prisons, including Aadhaar authentication, video conferencing, telemedicine, and equipment audits. They also focused on standardising and accrediting prison training institutes.
Each group presented its recommendations to a panel of senior officers. The panel included Anjani Kumar, IPS, Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Andhra Pradesh; Susanth Kumar Nath, IPS, Director General of Prisons, Odisha; Ravi Joseph Lokku, IPS, Additional Director General, BPR&D; and Sowmya Mishra, IPS, Director General of Prisons, Telangana.
Moderators led an open house session to share views and best practices. The Inspector General (Research and Correctional Administration), BPR&D, presented the conference report and key findings.
The Minister urged States and Union Territories to align prison administration with recent criminal law reforms, including the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. She called for greater transparency, accountability, and faster justice delivery. She also stressed inter-State cooperation and continued support from BPR&D.
Officials concluded the event with a vote of thanks, the national anthem, and a group photograph. Organisers said the conference enabled policy dialogue and sharing of best practices in correctional administration.