Efforts should be made to Develop Positive Thinking among Prisoners: Governor Shri Patel

Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel has said that prisoner rehabilitation efforts should be undertaken in a comprehensive and multi-dimensional manner. He emphasised that the approach must be humanitarian, sensitive, and thoughtful. Special attention should also be given to fostering positive thinking among inmates. He stated that the Prime Minister’s Mann Ki Baat program could play a significant role in giving a constructive direction to inmates’ thoughts, strengthening their confidence in the future, and enhancing their inner resilience. Governor Shri Patel addressed officials of the Home and Jail Department at Lok Bhavan on Monday. Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Shri Shiv Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary to the Governor Dr. Navneet Mohan Kothari, Special Director General of Prisons Shri Akhito Sema and other senior officials were present.

Governor Shri Patel directed officials to integrate employment-oriented activities in prisons, enabling inmates to contribute financially to their families’ livelihoods through productive work. He emphasised that for undertrial prisoners lodged for minor offences, the objective should not merely be punishment, but constructive reform to reintegrate them into the mainstream of society. He said that rehabilitation efforts should help inmates shed the label of ‘Criminal’ and re-establish themselves as responsible citizens capable of playing an active role in nation-building.

Governor Shri Patel stated that listening to ‘Mann Ki Baat’ would help inmates living in isolation behind prison walls connect with the country’s progress and inspiring stories. It would instil optimism and a spirit of renewal in their lives, reduce negativity and awaken a sense of positive outlook and self-improvement. He also reviewed issues such as pending mercy petitions, proper care arrangements for the children of women inmates, the rehabilitation of women prisoners, the availability of assistive devices for differently-abled and elderly inmates, and the engagement of prison labour in productive activities.

Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Shri Shiv Shekhar Shukla informed that 18 mercy petitions received during 2025–26 are currently under examination at various stages of the process. All mercy petitions received over the past five years are being reviewed, and a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is being formulated for their expeditious disposal. He further informed that the Jail Department has undertaken an innovative initiative to broadcast an online ‘Gita Paath’ in the state’s prisons, which is viewed by nearly 11 lakh people across 180 countries. The weekly telecast features the correct recitation of verses from the Bhagavad Gita, along with their explanation and interpretation.