Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has assured that the state government will take all necessary measures to upgrade and modernise prison infrastructure across the state. He said the government wants prisons to meet present-day standards and support correction, rehabilitation and reform.
The Chief Minister made the statement on September 21 during the first Raising Day celebration of the Prisons and Correctional Department at Manipur Central Prison in Imphal. The event marked 134 years since the establishment of prison administration in the state.
Government Promises Support for Prison Modernisation
Addressing officials and staff at the event, Khemchand said the government would extend all possible support to improve prison infrastructure. He stressed the need to modernise facilities and bring them in line with the standards expected of a contemporary correctional system.
The announcement comes as Manipur reviews the condition of its prisons and correctional facilities. The government has also indicated that it wants to improve staffing and strengthen the overall functioning of the Prisons and Correctional Department.
The Chief Minister’s assurance places infrastructure development alongside other priorities, including recruitment, correctional services and rehabilitation.
Manipur Prisons Department Marks 134 Years
The first Raising Day celebration marked a significant moment for the Prisons and Correctional Department. The department completed 134 years of service, but this was the first time it formally observed its Raising Day.
The event provided an opportunity to recognise the work of prison officers and personnel. It also allowed the government to discuss challenges facing the department and outline areas that require attention.
Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said the government was working to improve the overall condition of prisons across Manipur. He also praised the officers and staff for carrying out their responsibilities with dedication.
CM Calls for Reform and Rehabilitation
Khemchand also spoke about the broader purpose of prisons. He said prisons should not serve only as places of confinement. Instead, they should function as institutions that support moral correction, reformation and rehabilitation.
The Chief Minister stressed that prison administration must recognise the legal status of people in custody. A person who remains behind bars does not automatically become a convicted person. Courts must establish guilt through due legal process.
His remarks placed rehabilitation at the centre of the government’s approach to correctional services. This approach also requires prison facilities to provide suitable conditions for education, training and other reform-oriented activities.
Modern Facilities Can Support Rehabilitation
Better infrastructure can play an important role in improving correctional services. Modern prison facilities can provide safer accommodation, better healthcare arrangements, improved sanitation and suitable spaces for educational and vocational programmes.
The government has indicated that it wants prisons to support inmates as they prepare to return to society. This requires more than security measures. It also requires facilities that allow correctional staff to conduct education, counselling, training and rehabilitation programmes.
Home Minister Konthoujam said efforts were underway to modernise jails across the districts under the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Modernisation of Prisons Programme. He also said inmates would receive opportunities for vocational training and education.
Manpower Shortage Remains a Challenge
Alongside infrastructure, the government has identified a shortage of manpower in the Prisons and Correctional Department.
The Chief Minister said senior officials had informed him about vacancies in the department. He suggested filling suitable vacant posts through the Die-in-Harness Scheme or direct recruitment, depending on the applicable requirements.
Adequate staffing can help correctional institutions manage their daily responsibilities more effectively. It can also support security, inmate welfare and rehabilitation programmes.
The government has therefore linked recruitment with its broader efforts to strengthen prison administration.
Central Jail Also Faces Modernisation Needs
The Manipur Central Prison in Imphal, which hosted the Raising Day programme, has also drawn attention in discussions about prison infrastructure.
Reports said the 134-year-old facility would undergo structural reconstruction and modernisation because of its condition. The proposed work would address infrastructure requirements while supporting the wider effort to bring correctional facilities up to modern standards.
The Central Prison serves as an important part of Manipur’s correctional system. Improving its infrastructure could therefore have an impact on both custodial administration and rehabilitation services.
Focus on Inmate Education and Skills
The government’s prison reform approach also includes education and vocational training. These programmes can help inmates develop skills that may assist them after their release.
Home Minister Konthoujam said the state would provide inmates with opportunities for education and vocational training. He also appealed to society to avoid stigmatising former inmates and instead support their reintegration into the community.
Such measures can help correctional institutions focus on preparing inmates for life outside prison. They also recognise the role of families, communities and social institutions in the rehabilitation process.
Officers Recognised for Their Service
The Raising Day programme also recognised the contribution of prison personnel. During the event, Chief Minister Khemchand honoured S.K. Bhadrika, Superintendent of Manipur Central Jail, Imphal, with a medal for exemplary service.
Bhadrika had received the President’s Correctional Service Medal for Distinguished Service during the 2024 Independence Day honours.
The programme also included a 5-kilometre run, with prizes presented to the winners. Senior officials from the Prisons and Correctional Department attended the celebration.
Government Looks Towards a Modern Correctional System
The government’s infrastructure pledge reflects a wider focus on transforming prison administration in Manipur. The proposed improvements cover physical infrastructure, staffing, education, vocational training and rehabilitation.
Modernising prison facilities can also help correctional officers perform their duties more effectively. Better infrastructure can create appropriate spaces for healthcare, training and rehabilitation while maintaining necessary security arrangements.
The government has indicated that these improvements will form part of its broader effort to strengthen the Prisons and Correctional Department.
Road Ahead for Manipur Prisons
The first Raising Day of the Prisons and Correctional Department has brought renewed attention to the condition and functioning of prisons in Manipur. The department’s 134-year history provides the background for a new focus on modernisation and rehabilitation.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has assured the department of government support for upgrading prison infrastructure and meeting present-day standards. At the same time, the government plans to address manpower shortages through recruitment and other eligible appointment processes.
With infrastructure modernisation, improved staffing, education and vocational training on the agenda, Manipur is seeking to strengthen its correctional system. The government’s stated focus is to ensure that prisons provide secure custody while also creating conditions that support reform, rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society.