Manipur Prisons Department Holds First Raising Day, Highlighting Reformation After 134 Years Marking 134 years since its foundation, the Manipur Prisons and Correctional Department celebrated its inaugural Raising Day in Imphal. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh called for modern infrastructure, addressing staffing shortages, and turning prisons into reform institutions. 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. What this means for you This development points toward concrete structural and humanitarian reforms within the regional correctional ecosystem. • Across India: The emphasis on treating undertrial prisoners humanely reinforces national conversations surrounding correctional rights and institutional reformation. It highlights the growing expectation for prisons to serve as rehabilitative spaces rather than purely punitive centers. • In Manipur: Resolving personnel shortages inside state facilities will directly stabilize daily custodial management and prison oversight. Infrastructure modernization pledges will also improve living conditions and basic administrative standards in local jails. • Employment Opportunities: Moving forward with recruitments through direct channels and the Die-in-Harness Scheme will open positions for qualified local applicants. Interested candidates should monitor official state notifications for recruitment timelines and eligibility details. • Legal Safeguards: Prioritising the rights of non-convicted detainees encourages more accountable custodial practices within the local judicial pipeline. This approach creates better ground for vocational and moral rehabilitation initiatives prior to release. Why this happened The Manipur Prisons and Correctional Department commemorated its first-ever Raising Day after 134 years of existence following formal institutional recognition. • Delayed Administrative Recognition: According to the state leadership, the department had previously missed celebrating milestones like its Golden Jubilee due to an absence of formal recognition. Once proper governmental recognition was accorded, the department could formally host its inaugural Raising Day. • Need for Systemic Upgrades: Longstanding manpower deficits and aging infrastructure within the correctional system required visible administrative intervention. The milestone provided an official platform to commit state support toward staffing and facility modernization. • Shift Toward Rehabilitation: Contemporary correctional frameworks prioritize reforming inmates over mere confinement. The event served to align state penal operations with modern legal standards that respect undertrial rights and vocational reintegration. Questions & Answers 1. How many years after its establishment did the Manipur Prisons Department celebrate its first Raising Day? The department observed its first Raising Day 134 years after its initial establishment. 2. Where was the Raising Day event organized? The ceremony took place at the Manipur Central Prison premises in Imphal. 3. What core message did the Chief Minister share regarding prisons? The Chief Minister stated that prisons should function as institutions for moral correction and rehabilitation rather than just confinement. 4. How does the administration plan to resolve the shortage of staff? The Chief Minister suggested filling vacant positions through direct recruitment or the Die-in-Harness Scheme. 5. Why was the department unable to celebrate its Golden Jubilee earlier? The Home Minister noted that the department had not received official recognition at that time. 6. Which official received a presidential medal during the ceremony? Superintendent S.K. Bhadrika of Manipur Central Jail was decorated with the President's Correctional Service Medal for Distinguished Service. https://trendkia.com/en/manipur/manipur-jela-vibhaga-ne-manaya-pahala-sthapana-divasa-134-sala-ke-itihasa-men-sudhara-aura-punarvasa-para-jora-35885 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.