Manipur marked a historic milestone on September 21 as the Prisons and Correctional Services Department observed its first-ever Raising Day, commemorating 134 years since the establishment of prison administration in the state. The event was held at the Manipur Central Prison in Imphal and was attended by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam and senior officials.
The occasion also brought renewed attention to the functioning of prisons in the state, with the government stressing the need to move beyond the traditional concept of confinement and focus more strongly on correction, reformation and rehabilitation.
First Raising Day Marks Historic Milestone
The first Raising Day was described by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh as a historic milestone for the department. Although the Prisons and Correctional Services Department has completed 134 years, it had not previously observed a Raising Day.
Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said the department had earlier not received the recognition required to hold such an occasion. He noted that the recognition of the department has now allowed it to organise the first Raising Day programme.
The event highlighted the contribution of prison officers and staff to custodial administration and public service while also drawing attention to the need for further development of correctional facilities across Manipur.
CM Stresses Correction and Rehabilitation
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh emphasised that prisons should not be viewed merely as places where people are confined. According to the Chief Minister, correctional institutions should also provide opportunities for moral correction, reformation and rehabilitation.
He also underlined an important legal principle, stating that a person kept behind bars should not automatically be regarded as a convict unless proven guilty according to law. This distinction is particularly relevant for individuals who remain in custody while their cases are still under trial.
The Chief Minister’s remarks placed rehabilitation at the centre of the state’s approach to prison administration, highlighting the importance of preparing inmates for their eventual return to society.
Manpower Shortage Remains a Concern
The Chief Minister also highlighted the shortage of manpower within the Prisons and Correctional Services Department. He said senior officials had informed him about vacant positions and staffing difficulties affecting the department.
To address the shortage, Singh suggested filling vacant posts through the Die-in-Harness Scheme or direct recruitment, depending on the circumstances. Adequate staffing is expected to be important for improving prison administration, security and correctional services.
The government also assured the department of support for strengthening infrastructure and bringing prison facilities in line with present-day requirements.
Push for Modernisation of Prison Infrastructure
Modernisation emerged as another major theme during the Raising Day programme. The state government indicated that it would support efforts to upgrade prison infrastructure across Manipur.
Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said efforts were underway to improve prison facilities, including modernisation across the state’s districts. He also spoke about providing inmates with opportunities for education and vocational training to help them rebuild their lives after release.
Such measures place emphasis on rehabilitation and reintegration rather than treating imprisonment solely as a system of punishment. The government has also called for society to avoid stigmatising former inmates and to support their return to the community.
Officers Honoured for Dedicated Service
The Raising Day programme also recognised the contribution of personnel working in the prison system. Chief Minister Singh honoured S.K. Bhadrika, Superintendent of Manipur Central Jail, Imphal, with a medal for exemplary service.
Bhadrika had earlier received the President’s Correctional Service Medal for Distinguished Service on the occasion of Independence Day in 2024.
The department also organised a 5-kilometre run as part of the celebrations, with prizes distributed to the winners during the main programme. Senior officials, including Manipur DGP (Prisons) Arvind Kumar and ADGP I.K. Muivah, attended the event.
Focus Shifts Towards a Modern Correctional System
The first-ever Raising Day has brought the Prisons and Correctional Services Department into greater focus after more than a century of its existence. The government’s emphasis on recruitment, infrastructure modernisation, education, vocational training and rehabilitation indicates a broader approach to correctional administration.
For Manipur, the occasion therefore served not only as a commemoration of the department’s long history but also as an opportunity to outline its future direction. With the Chief Minister calling for reform and rehabilitation, the state has placed renewed emphasis on creating prison institutions that combine lawful custody with opportunities for correction and reintegration into society.