IN A pioneering step toward prison reform, Director General of Prisons Himanshu Gupta inaugurated an Open Correctional Institution (OCI), commonly referred to as an open jail, at Central Jail Durg on Tuesday. The opening marks the rollout of a progressive correctional model within Chhattisgarh, officially notified by the State Government on September 21. Developed by utilising the existing infrastructure of Central Jail Durg, the initiative represents the first open correctional facility of its kind in Chhattisgarh. The inaugural event was attended by Central Jail Superintendent Manish Sambhakar, departmental officials, prison staff, and inmates. Under the operational framework of the open jail, 50 selected prisoners will be housed at the facility.

 

Unlike conventional rigorous confinement, inmates will step out of the premises during morning hours to undertake varied employment and vocational activities, returning to the facility every evening prior to the scheduled lockup. The system aims to encourage rehabilitation, self-reliance, and smoother reintegration into society. Jail Superintendent Manish Sambhakar informed that 30 prisoners fulfilling the criteria will be initially kept in the Open Jail and they will be allowed to freely move in jail premises from 6 am till the evening. ‘There will be almost zero surveillance upon these prisoners and they will be made to work and manage affairs at Jail canteen, ‘Mangodi’ center, ‘Gaushala’ etc. We will give them more relaxation in the coming days so that these prisoners can reintegrate into the society by working outside,’ said the officer.