IMPHAL, SEP 21:

Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Monday said his government will take all measures for upgrading and modernising the prison infrastructure in the state.

Singh made the remarks during an event of the Prisons and Correctional Department here.

Addressing the gathering, the chief minister emphasised that a person kept behind bars should not be considered a convict unless proven guilty as per the law.

Prisons should not be seen only as places of confinement, and they must function as institutions for moral correction, reformation and rehabilitation, Singh said.

During his interaction with senior officers of the department, he was informed that it was functioning with a shortage of manpower, according to an official statement.

“In this regard, the CM suggested filling up the vacant posts through the Die-in-Harness Scheme or through direct recruitment,” it said.

“The Manipur government will extend all possible support for upgrading and modernising the prison infrastructure to meet present-day standards,” Singh said.

Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, speaking on the occasion, said the state government is working to improve the overall condition of prisons. (Source: PTI)