The Positive Psycho-Social Behavior Training Pilot Project For Long Term Inmates Of Central Jail, Bhopal (M.P) Inaugurated [25.09.2022]

The above project has been undertaken by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) in co-ordination with the Central Jail Bhopal, the Psychology Department Sarojini Naidu Govt. Girls P.G. College & Anandam Department apart from resource persons from similar backgrounds.

The need for this project arose from inputs gathered in the course of jail visits and from evaluation of performance of Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) nominated from among the long-term inmates. Much has been done to improve the infrastructural facilities in jail, however, the energy level of inmates is still low. One of the reasons may be that an inmate's life represents a changed social environment to a regimented atmosphere. The social effects on the inmates are not merely limited to the period of confinement but also his re-entry into society. Some prisoners have expressed their apprehension about their reduced social status on their return to the community. This could also result in a lonely and helpless life for the former inmate.

Some of the psychological effects of imprisonment may be a deep sense of guilt, burden, loss of self-worth, leading to loss of perspective of self-confidence. As a result, even after release the former inmates feel hostile towards the criminal justice system, experience anxiety neurosis and other mal adjustment problems. All these come in the way of rehabilitation after release.

The programme commenced with the lighting of lamps in the august present of Justice Atul Sreedharan, Judge High Court of MP (Portfolio Judge, Bhopal). Dr. Veena Dani, Project Co-ordinator discussed the road map for the project while the concept not was delivered by Giribala Singh, PDJ, Bhopal. The mentors who shall be carrying forward this onerous task include Dr. Manisha Mishra Professor, Shri S.P.S Bundela (secretary DLSA), Shri S. Kocliar Deputy Secretary among others. The DIG (Prisons) Shri Sanjay Pandey and Jail Superintendent Shri Dinesh Nargave shared their expectations from this project.

The subjects to be taken up under the project include anxiety Reduction/coping, Adjustment/coping, Stress & Its management, Self-Concept & Self-Worth, Emotional Quotient, Gaining Acceptance & Approval. How to hand le Negative Emotional, Career & Life Management (Post jail) & Happiness. The impact of this project shall be evaluated by field workers from Psychology Department of Sarojini Naidu Govt. Girls P.G. College. lt is also proposed to prepare a hard book that shall serve as a guide for future mentors in this field.

Though this small but meaningful effort, DLSA Bhopal endeavors to make a difference in the lives of inmates at Central lait Bhopal & increase the efficiency of convict Para Legal Volunteers within the jail premises. lt is also expected that these trained inmates shall be nucleii to facilitate other inmates to create a healthy environment within the jail precincts and on their release, return as responsible citizens.