The prisoner’s rehabilitation is a bigger challenge. The authorities are putting many efforts to bring them into the mainstream of society. Psychological counseling, skill-based financial independence, legal aid support are major efforts amongst them. As a part of this, an opportunity to meet their beloved ones in a free atmosphere was given to prisoners. This is an annual event of Kolhapur Central Jail. In which prisoners are allowed to meet their children under 10 years and wife of small babies. This is a heart-touching moment as prisoners can experience temporary freedom with their beloved ones. Children use to bring some home-made food for their parents. Jail administration makes all arrangements before informing and other arrangements. Prisoner's family members start gathering on Jail premises from early morning. Jail Administration arranges a tent in the central area along with some delicious lunch for prisoners and their families. It’s a very emotional moment to see prisoners enjoying themselves with their kids again. Misfortune brought them to prison but the administration is trying to heal their wounds by such emotional events. Literate, Illiterate, professional, unprofessional, doctors, engineers, artists, wagers all react in the same way when they meet their beloved ones. There are 1401 functioning Central Jails around India. Total capacity to house 3,66,781 prisoners. Maharashtra has 9 central jails which are the highest among all states. Jail authorities are trying to Rehabilitate inmates so that they can rejoin mainstream society after release. Only 10 states have Borstal school, 16 states have Open Jail, and 12 states have Special Jail. Kolhapur jail authorities made special arrangements to complete their Graduation through Open University. Also started a Foundry unit in Jail campus to acquire skills in collaboration with local industries. A total of 80 prisoners is learning foundry skills among which 20 completed certifications from Government Polytechnic. Which will help them to get Job opportunities after completion of the term. The efforts of prison administration to rehabilitate the prisoners in different ways intended me to document. I am trying to document the rehabilitation process which is like an oasis in the life of Prisoners.
This is an annual event of Kolhapur Central Jail in which prisoners can meet their children under 10 years and wife of small babies. This is a heart-touching moment as prisoners can experience temporary freedom with their beloved ones. A kid is playing in the premises of Kolhapur central jail, who is about to meet their inmate parent.
Families start gathering at jail premises in the early morning. Children are getting ready to meet their inmate parents.
18- Families gather at the front gate after registering at the registration desk.
Families gather at the front gate after registering at the registration desk.
A child is playing under the table of the registration desk. The children are not aware of what is happening in their life. The future of the child is engulfed in the rigid structure of life.
Kolhapur jail authorities made special arrangements to complete their Graduation through Open University. Also started a Foundry unit in Jail campus to acquire skills in collaboration with local industries. 80 prisoners are learning foundry skills among which 20 completed certifications from Government Polytechnic which will help them to get Job opportunities after completion of the term.
A grandfather meets his grandchildren happily at the open camp of meeting.
It’s a very emotional moment to see prisoners enjoying themselves with their kids again. Misfortune brought them to prison but the administration is trying to heal their wounds by such emotional events.
A father trying to console her daughter, who is not able to control her tears after seeing her father.
A child is reading the letter written by his elder brother who could not join the meeting today with his mother. In the letter, he tries to relieve his mother about the family and home conditions. Furthermore, he commits to visiting her earliest.
A child meets his grandparents happily at the open camp of meeting.
There are 1401 functioning Central Jails around India. Total capacity to house 3,66,781 prisoners. Maharashtra has 9 central jails which are the highest among all states. Jail authorities are trying to Rehabilitate inmates so that they can re-join mainstream society after release. Only 10 states have Borstal school, 16 states have Open Jail, and 12 states have Special Jail.
A photo exhibition was arranged at Kolhapur central prison premises in November 2019 with kind permission of prison administration.
The efforts of prison administration to rehabilitate the prisoners in different ways intended me to document this event and I am documenting this Prisoners Rehabilitation project.
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