Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay visited Puzhal Central Prison in Chennai on Friday, conducting a detailed assessment of the facility's conditions and engaging directly with inmates. Accompanied by senior prison officials, Vijay toured multiple sections of the prison, including areas housing undertrial prisoners, convicts, and women prisoners. His visit followed recent discussions in the state assembly regarding the prison department’s funding requests, and included inspections of critical infrastructure such as the prison kitchen, clothing storage, and medical facilities. During the tour, Vijay emphasized the need for improved rehabilitation programs tailored to the interests of inmates. He urged prison authorities to provide educational and vocational training opportunities, highlighting the importance of reading and ensuring access to sufficient books for prisoners. A prison official noted that Vijay expressed sympathy for the inmates, stating that many were incarcerated due to their circumstances rather than intentional crimes. He distinguished between accidental offenses and deliberate wrongdoing, calling for reforms aimed at helping prisoners reintegrate into society. Vijay’s inspection covered several key areas of the prison complex, including the quarantine zone, visitors' hall, prison hospital, de-addiction rehabilitation center, and classrooms at the Mahatma Gandhi Community College located within the prison grounds. He also visited the advanced computer training center, high-security block, and execution area. The chief minister observed vocational workshops where inmates produced items such as iron vegetable racks, paper envelopes, and office file folders. These activities are part of broader efforts to equip prisoners with skills that could aid in their future employment. In addition to the vocational workshops, Vijay reviewed the powerloom division responsible for manufacturing blankets and other textiles, as well as the tailoring unit. He personally tasted the food served to inmates and engaged in direct conversations with them to gather feedback on their living conditions and requirements. This hands-on approach underscored his commitment to understanding the challenges faced by the prison population and addressing them through policy changes. Following his inspection of the prison, Vijay proceeded to the M-3 Puzhal police station, where he reviewed daily operations with local law enforcement. He examined station records, inspected the sub-inspector’s room, computer room, and lock-up facilities. His presence at both the prison and police station highlighted a broader focus on public safety and justice administration within the region. Senior officials accompanying Vijay included the Director General of Police, Director of Prisons and Correctional Services Sandeep Rai Rathore, Deputy Inspector General of Prisons (Chennai Range) T Palani, and Prison Superintendent Krishnaraj. Their involvement indicated the significance of the visit and the collaborative effort required to enhance prison management and security protocols. According to the prison department’s latest data, there are 23,608 inmates across 125 prisons in Tamil Nadu, including nine central prisons. Among these, 2,076 are illiterate, 323 have postgraduate qualifications, and 1,317 hold graduate degrees. This diversity underscores the complexity of providing appropriate rehabilitative measures and educational resources to meet the varied needs of the prisoner population.
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