In a First Odisha Government launches Project "KIRAN" for Women Prisoners

By: WE Staff | Tuesday, 24 August 2021

Odisha's Directorate of Prisons and Correctional Services, in partnership with an NGO, established the "KIRAN" project to assist female inmates.

"This initiative is the first time in the state of Odisha to work for the women prisoners to support them through a holistic approach with the participation of the community," said Santosh Kumar Upadhyay, DG Prisons & Correctional Services, Odisha.

Santosh Kumar Upadhyay, DG Prisons and Correctional Services, Odisha, inaugurated the project at Special Jail Bhubaneswar and Circle Jail, Choudwar, Cuttack.

"A collaborative effort can make big difference in society, this initiative will definitely support women inmates at this difficult time of COVID-19, whether it is counselling on mental health support or on legal issues related to bail and the proceedings,” said Upadhyay.

He further said "We have also roped in an NGO which is setting up a Mini library and providing newspaper and magazines (Odia, Hindi and English) to the women prisoners in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack jails, we are also providing the e-mulakat to these inmates with their families" added Upadhyay.

"This is a first initiative in the state of Odisha for women prisoners, with the support of Directorate of Prisons and Correctional Services, we will support them by providing counselling sessions on mental health and other issues, free legal Aid, skill development training, livelihood support and rehabilitation," said Maheekshita Mishra, Director Madhyam.