In order to set up an institutional mechanism for collaboration and research on matters relating to prisons, an MoU has been signed between the Directorate of Prisons and Correctional Services (DPCS) and National Law University of Odisha (NLUO) here on January 26.

In the presence of Chancellor, NLUO and Chief Justice, Orissa High Court Justice Dr S Muralidhar, DG of Prisons and Correctional Services, Odisha, Santosh Kumar Upadhyay and Vice-Chancellor, NLUO Prof Ved Kumari, the MoU was signed by Registrar, NLUO Prof (Dr) Yogesh Pratap Singh and DIG of Prisons Subhakanta Mishra.

The other dignitaries present on the occasion include Registrar, Mahatma Gandhi Academy of Prisons and Correctional Services, Bhubaneswar, Samir Ranjan Sahoo.

The purposes of the MoU are to set up an institutional mechanism (Collaboration And Research Enterprise (CARE) for collaboration between faculty and students of NLUO and Directorate of Prisons and Correctional Services (DP CS) on matters relating to prisons; organise training programme focused on knowledge, attitude, skills and ethics in prison administration and offer a joint PG Diploma on “Rehabilitation and Correctional Administration”.

The objectives of the partnership are to promote recognition and rehabilitation of prisoners; develop a collaborative knowledge between DP and CS and NLUO; conduct action research for improving prison administration; collaborate on various research activities for students and faculties of both NLUO and prison and training for State prison officials; explore ground realities relating to prisons and prisoners; conduct awareness and sensitization programmes in schools and colleges relating to prisons and prisoners.

Regular academic conferences/workshops/discussions shall be conducted by DP and CS and NLUO jointly on issues related to prisons and correctional administration.

The DP and CS will facilitate visit of the students to prison academy and specific prisons during the internship period.

The NLUO will organise training programmes for prison officials to enhance their knowledge, attitude, skills and ethics relating to prison administration.

The NLUO in collaboration with DP and CS will conceptualise and offer PG Diploma in “Rehabilitation and Correctional Administration” from the year 2022. The course will be offered in distance and online mode.

The programme is intended to be attended by the prison officials/persons who want to join prison services and others interested in reformation and rehabilitation of prisoners. The course is open for all persons in India and abroad.

The curriculum of the course would enhance the understanding of prison employees and others on matters pertaining to incarceration, correctional practices and challenges faced by the criminal justice system in India and possible ways forward.

Persons desirous of joining the PG Diploma programme shall register for the course by submitting an online application, at National Law University Odisha (www.nluo.ac.in).