Hubballi: Reformative initiatives yield positive results in sub-jail

Reformative initiatives taken by jail authorities have yielded positive results at the Sub-Jail in Hubballi, which mainly houses under-trial prisoners and habitual offenders.

The Hubballi sub-jail, located on the foothills of Nrupatunga Betta, houses about 185 inmates, 90% of whom are undertrial prisoners, and operates within a regulated administrative framework. It houses only male inmates.

The campus is divided into multiple sections for different purposes. Security arrangements include CCTV camera surveillance monitored from a central control room, regulated access to various areas, and close supervision of inmate movement. Inmates are accommodated separately based on the nature of their offences and their detention status.

According to jail officials, the reformative initiatives taken the last two years have yielded positive results, with the officials noticing a reduction in the frequency of the return of the habitual offenders to the prison.

At the sub-jail, alongside custodial duties, a range of reformative and welfare-oriented programmes were initiated in the last two years. Along with healthcare services, counselling by psychiatrists, and de-addiction programmes are also offered to inmates with substance dependence issues.

Inmates are encouraged to participate in cultural and sports activities, yoga and meditation sessions organised with the support of external organisations, and reading and writing activities for literate inmates.

The sub-jail follows a fixed daily schedule. Inmates assemble in the morning for a general prayer, and announcements are made twice a day to convey rules and instructions related to jail conduct, serving as reminders of expected behaviour. Inmates also carry out routine tasks assigned within the facility.

 “The sub-jail functions under the supervision of Alok Kumar, Director General of Prisons in Karnataka, and operates in accordance with guidelines, which have led to the positive changes over time,” said Shahabuddin Kalekhan, Jail Superintendent.

Mr. Kalekhan said he was just continuing the reforms initiated by his predecessors with some modifications to bring about a behavioural change among the inmates through yoga, meditation, and other initiatives, and that seems to have yielded results. “The frequency with which the habitual offenders used to return to the sub-jail has come down. And the credit should go to coordinated efforts by the jail staff, senior officials and officials who served earlier here”, he said.