Cultural programme held mark Holi at District Jail, Jammu

Jammu: On the eve of Holi, a cultural programme was presented by the inmates at District Jail Jammu, Amphalla. Prof. Manoj Kumar Dhar, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu was the Chief Guest. The programme was graced by V. K. Singh, IPS, DGP Prisons, Prof. Sanjana Koul, Vijaya Singh andDr. Mohd Sultan Lone, DIG Prisons, J&K. The programme was also attended by Academicians- Dr. Arti Bakhshi, Head, Department of Psychology, University of Jammu and Dr.Piyali Arora, Assistant Professor/Clinical Psychologist, Govt. College for Women, Parade andOfficers from Prison Headquarters.
During the programme various cultural items like folk songs, bollywood classics, sufi songs & popular numbers were presented by the inmates which received thunderous applause from the audience. The programme was conducted while observing necessary COVID-19 SOP/protocol.
Superintendent District Jail Jammu, Mirza Saleem Beig in his welcome address underlined various steps taken by the Prisons Department for welfare of prisoners & improving prison administration. He said that Prison administration is committed to providing better correctional programmes to the inmates which include educational/vocational training programmes, awareness programs and recreational activities.
DGP Prisons, V. K. Singh in his address expressed his profound gratitude to the Chief Guest for inspiring the inmates towards reformation. He highlighted that the Department is working towards making jails more tech savvy by the introduction of video conferencing facility for trial/remand purpose, e-mulaqat facility & Prison Inmate Calling System besides establishment of modern interview rooms in jails. During COVID pandemic a total of 542 inmates across various Jails were affected but all recovered except two who unfortunately succumbed due to co-morbidities. Presently, there is only one COVID case from District Jail Kathua who is admitted in GMC,Kathua. He said that cognitive behavioral therapy was taken up for insomnia affected inmates at District Jail Jammu and Central Jail Jammu, KotBhalwal. He also informed that since March, 2020, 4204 inmates were released on bail by Hon’ble Courts & 41 inmates have been released on parole in pursuance of decisions taken by the High Powered Committee.
Prof. M. K. Dhar in his address appreciated the efforts made by the prison authorities for welfare of prisoners and initiatives taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. He encouraged the inmates to make best utilization of their time in prisons by acquiring skills available in the prisons so as to be able to contribute as responsible citizens after their release. Prof Manoj Kumar Dhar saidthat the University will soon collaborate with the Prisons Department in conducting Skill Development Trainings for the prison inmates.
A memento was presented to the Chief Guest by the DGP, Prisons. Earlier, he visited the interview room & product display unit of the jail.

KR Desk