Yerawada Jails Launch Family Meet Initiative to Support Inmates

Pune’s Yerawada Central Jail and Yerawada Women’s Jail have initiated a program aimed at fostering family acceptance for inmates. The “bandi galabhet” (prisoner-family meet) took place on November 14, 2023, allowing inmates to reconnect with their families after prolonged separations. This initiative seeks to alleviate emotional stress experienced by prisoners, particularly as it pertains to their relationships with children and grandchildren under 18 years of age.

Jail superintendent Sunil Dhamal indicated the importance of this initiative, noting, “The initiative was specifically designed to alleviate the emotional stress experienced by inmates due to prolonged separation from their families.” A total of 78 inmates participated in the event, comprising 51 men from Yerawada Central Jail and 27 women from Yerawada Women’s Jail. They interacted with 140 children and grandchildren, strengthening familial bonds through face-to-face meetings.

Pallavi Kadam, additional jail superintendent, highlighted the positive impact of the program. “Many inmates expressed profound gratitude to the administration for facilitating this special interaction under the ‘bandi galabhet’ initiative,” she stated. Kadam emphasized that such meetings significantly eased mental stress, allowing inmates to maintain vital connections with their families.

The initiative is part of a broader effort under the guidance of Suhas Warke, additional director general of police and inspector general of prisons and correctional services in Maharashtra, along with special inspector general of prisons Yogesh Desai. Warke affirmed that more similar initiatives will be rolled out across Maharashtra’s prisons. He expressed that these programs are essential for reinforcing inmates’ emotional well-being and aiding their reintegration into society.

The collaboration with organizations such as Tata Trusts‘ Prayas, based in Mumbai, and India Vision Foundation from Delhi has been pivotal in executing this initiative. Warke noted that these interactions build trust between inmates and prison administration, aligning with the department’s core mandate of “reform and rehabilitation.”

The “bandi galabhet” initiative signifies a progressive step towards addressing the emotional and psychological needs of inmates, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance that is crucial for their reintegration into society after serving their sentences.