Madhya Pradesh Opens First Psycho-Social Care Centre for Inmates

First Psycho-Social Care Centre Inaugurated in Bhopal

The Madhya Pradesh Jail Department has taken a significant step towards improving the mental well-being, reform, and rehabilitation of inmates. The state's first 'Psycho-Social Care Centre' has been launched at Central Jail Bhopal.

Project Praheri Initiative

This initiative is part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the National Raksha University (RRU), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, and is known as 'Project Praheri'. The centre was inaugurated by Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Dr. Varun Kapoor.

Objectives of the Centre

The primary aim of this centre is to provide essential counselling, guidance, and support to prisoners suffering from mental illnesses, extreme stress, or other psychological issues. The initiative will focus on reducing stress and depression among inmates, controlling potential violent behaviour, and fostering positive thinking and self-confidence.

Counselling by Trained Personnel

In collaboration with the National Raksha University, Gandhinagar, jail officials and staff have received specialized training. These trained personnel will now assess the mental and social problems of inmates and offer them appropriate counselling and guidance. Various activities will also be conducted to instill self-control, a sense of social responsibility, positive outlook, and behavioral improvement among prisoners.

Plans for Expansion to Other Jails

The functioning of this Psycho-Social Care Centre at Central Jail Bhopal and its experiences will be thoroughly evaluated. Based on the findings of this assessment, steps will be taken to implement this important action plan in a phased manner across other jails in the state in the future.

Inauguration Attendees

Present at the inauguration were members from the National Raksha University, Gandhinagar, including Dr. Rakesh Singh Kunwar, Shri Pradeep Rusia, Shri Shubham Jain, Shri Om Tiwari, Shri Sumit Raghuwanshi, along with Jail Superintendent Shri Manendra Parihar and other officials and staff of Central Jail Bhopal.