Commemorating 134 years since its formal establishment, the Manipur Prisons and Correctional Department observed its first-ever Raising Day on Monday. The landmark gathering took place at the Manipur Central Prison premises in Imphal, bringing together senior leadership from law enforcement and the state administration. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh addressed the gathering, defining the inaugural celebration as a critical milestone for the correctional system while urging authorities to balance custody with genuine rehabilitation efforts.
Reframing Correctional Facilities Beyond Confinement
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh emphasised that individuals kept in custody must not be viewed as convicts unless their guilt is formally proven through due legal process. He argued that the mandate of modern correctional institutions must extend well beyond mere physical detention. In his view, prisons must function as institutions dedicated to moral guidance, positive reformation, and structured rehabilitation, preparing detainees to reintegrate constructively into society upon their release.
Tackling Manpower Shortages and Infrastructure Upgrades
Addressing operational difficulties within the department, the Chief Minister noted that senior officials had briefed him regarding ongoing staffing constraints. To resolve these human resource gaps, he recommended filling vacant roles either through direct recruitment or via the Die-in-Harness Scheme, depending on procedural suitability. Furthermore, the Chief Minister affirmed that the state government remains dedicated to providing comprehensive backing to modernize prison facilities, ensuring correctional infrastructure meets contemporary standards.
Home Minister on Belated Recognition and Modernisation
Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam characterised this inaugural Raising Day as a major institutional breakthrough for the department. He remarked that the department had previously been unable to celebrate its Golden Jubilee because it lacked requisite formal recognition at the time. With proper administrative recognition now established, the department successfully organized this commemoration. The Home Minister observed that every government branch holds equal value in delivering public service, pointing out that active measures are underway to upgrade prison conditions throughout Manipur while commending the staff for their resilience.
Presidential Medal Conferred on Jail Superintendent
During the proceedings, Chief Minister Singh pinned the medal on S.K. Bhadrika, Superintendent of Manipur Central Jail in Imphal, recognizing his distinguished contribution to correctional administration. Bhadrika had previously been conferred the President's Correctional Service Medal for Distinguished Service on Independence Day, 2024. The gathering was attended by senior security leadership, including Nagaland Director General of Police Rupin Sharma, Manipur DGP (Prisons) Arvind Kumar, Additional DGP I.K. Muivah, and various correctional department officers.
