Sat Mar 22 09:46:02 UTC 2025: **National Prison Conference Calls for Urgent Prison Reform in India**
Hyderabad, March 22, 2025 – The first National Prison Conference, concluded yesterday, highlighting the critical need for increased mental health support and systemic reforms within India’s prison system. Organized by the Prison World Organisation, the two-day event brought together over 65 professionals, including former prison directors, academics, and NGO representatives.
Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, who inaugurated the conference, emphasized the importance of comprehensive prison reforms in reducing crime and facilitating successful reintegration of former inmates. Experts stressed the necessity of at least 25% of prison staff being mental health professionals.
A key recommendation was the establishment of Prison Development Boards in all states, a proposal supported by the Bureau of Police Research and Development, which pledged to advise states on their implementation. The conference also championed strong public-private partnerships involving government, academia, NGOs, and corporations to drive meaningful change.
The Prison World Organisation, led by former Telangana State Prisons DG V.K. Singh, has been a vocal advocate for prisoner welfare. Mr. Singh’s emphasis on post-release support and the insights shared by academics from institutions like NALSAR University of Law and TISS underscored the conference’s focus on rehabilitation strategies.
A core group will be formed following the conference to actively lobby for policy changes across states. The Telangana Director General of Police, Jitendra, encouraged attendees to translate the conference’s discussions into tangible improvements.
First Piper 