Surajpur, India: In a significant reform-oriented initiative, the district administration in Surajpur has launched Operation Nishchay, a rehabilitation program aimed at guiding young prisoners away from crime and toward constructive lives.
On Friday, District Collector S. Jayawardhan and Superintendent of Police Prashant Kumar Thakur visited the Surajpur District Jail, where they held direct interactions with inmates as part of the program’s rollout.
Focus on Youth Rehabilitation
Operation Nishchay primarily targets inmates between the ages of 18 and 30, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment. The initiative seeks to prevent repeat offenses by equipping prisoners with education, vocational skills, ethical values, and mental health support, enabling their reintegration into mainstream society after release.
Officials emphasized that the program is designed to help inmates build self-confidence, acquire employable skills, and adopt a positive mindset that supports long-term social reintegration.
“Prison Should Be a Place of Reform”
Addressing the inmates, Collector S. Jayawardhan urged them to view incarceration as an opportunity for self-improvement rather than merely a place of punishment.
“A prison should not be seen only as a place of sentence, but as a correctional institution,” he said. “Use this time to learn new skills, abandon harmful habits, and prepare yourself for a fresh start once you return to society.”
He also encouraged inmates to actively participate in yoga, meditation, counseling, and skill-development programs, highlighting their role in mental and emotional transformation.
Police Emphasize Second Chances
Superintendent of Police Prashant Kumar Thakur described Operation Nishchay as a comprehensive reform initiative centered on education, skill development, moral values, and health.
“Leave past mistakes behind while you are here,” he told inmates. “When you step outside, move forward with a positive mindset and become an inspiration for others, especially young people, to stay away from crime.”
State-Level Support
Jail Superintendent Akshay Tiwari said the program is being implemented under the guidance of Himanshu Gupta, Director General of Prisons, Chhattisgarh.
He added that the initiative encourages inmates to respect the law, reject criminal behavior, and work toward becoming responsible and productive citizens. Authorities expressed confidence that the program would show measurable positive outcomes in the coming months.
A Shift Toward Reform-Based Policing
Operation Nishchay reflects a broader shift in local governance toward rehabilitation-focused corrections, aligning law enforcement, prison administration, and social welfare efforts to reduce recidivism and support long-term community safety.