Manipur marks the first Raising Day of its Prisons Department after 134 years as CM Khemchand stresses prison reform and distributes 93 Die-in-Harness offer forms.
Imphal, Sept. 21: Manipur on Monday observed the first-ever Raising Day of its Prisons and Correctional Services Department, commemorating 134 years since its establishment, while Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh distributed offer forms to 93 candidates under the Die-in-Harness Scheme for the Land Resource Department.
The first Raising Day celebration of the Prisons and Correctional Services Department was held at the Manipur Central Prison, Imphal. Addressing the gathering, Khemchand described the occasion as a historic milestone for the department.
The Chief Minister said prisons should not be viewed only as places of confinement and stressed the importance of moral correction, reformation and rehabilitation of inmates.
He also emphasised that a person kept behind bars should not be considered a convict unless proven guilty in accordance with law.
During his interaction with senior officials of the department, Khemchand said he was informed about the shortage of manpower in the prison administration. He suggested filling vacant posts through the Die-in-Harness Scheme or direct recruitment, as appropriate.
The Chief Minister also assured that the government would extend all possible support for upgrading and modernising prison infrastructure to meet present-day standards.
Home Minister calls first Raising Day a historic achievement
Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said the first Raising Day celebration was a historic achievement for the Prisons and Correctional Services Department.
He said the department's Golden Jubilee could not be celebrated earlier as it had not been given due recognition. Following its recognition, the department was now able to organise the Raising Day celebration, he said.
Govindas said every government department has an important role in serving citizens and in the functioning of the government. He said the government was working to improve the overall condition of prisons in the state.
He also appreciated the officers and staff of the department for discharging their duties with dedication and noted that the Prisons and Correctional Services Department is among the essential departments of the state government.
During the programme, the Chief Minister decorated S.K. Bhadrika, Superintendent of Manipur Central Jail, Imphal, with a medal for exemplary service.
Bhadrika had received the President's Correctional Service Medal for Distinguished Service on the occasion of Independence Day in 2024.
Prizes were also distributed to the winners of a 5-km run organised by the department earlier in the day as part of the Raising Day celebration.
The programme was attended by Nagaland DGP Rupin Sharma, Manipur DGP (Prisons) Arvind Kumar, ADGP I.K. Muivah and other senior officials of the Prisons and Correctional Services Department.
93 receive Die-in-Harness offer forms
At a separate programme held at the main conference hall of the Manipur Civil Secretariat at Mantripukhri, the Chief Minister distributed offer forms to 93 candidates under the Die-in-Harness Scheme for the Land Resource Department.
Addressing the programme, Khemchand said recruitment under the scheme was being undertaken in accordance with prescribed rules and guidelines.
He noted that the state government had earlier distributed offer forms to 37 eligible candidates for appointment to the Excise Department under the Die-in-Harness Scheme.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the appointment of the new recruits would help the Land Resource Department clear its long-pending work and improve its functioning.
He added that other government departments could also initiate recruitment under the Die-in-Harness Scheme wherever required, in accordance with the prescribed guidelines.
Offer forms were also distributed at the district level by the respective Deputy Commissioners.
The programme organised by the Land Resource Department was attended by Secretary Thokchom Kirankumar, administrative secretaries of various departments and Deputy Commissioners of various districts through video conferencing.
