Self-help groups for ex-convicts, probationers

Thiruvananthapuram: For the first time, the social justice department has come up with a novel initiative to ensure social rehabilitation of probationers and ex-convicts who are often ostracised by family and friends and help them integrate back into society.

The initiative launched as part of the ‘Nervazhi’ scheme proposes constitution of self-help groups to run the community-based organisation by ex-prisoners who have done their time.

According to officials, the initiative would help resolve the overcrowding issue at Kerala prisons.

As per Prison Statistics 2015, the occupancy rate at prisons in the country is 114.4 per cent, and the total number of undertrials is 67.2 per cent. Inmates in Kerala jails is more than the available capacity.  There are around 7,325 prisoners in the state when the available capacity is just 6,190.

Special officer (probation) social justice department K.K. Subair said that the initiative would be a boon for hundreds of probationers in the state.

He said that once convicted, the stigma would continue for life and society and even family doesn’t accept the person back. The department has taken steps to enforce the Probation of Offenders Act, 1958.

“The Act aims at social rehabilitation of first-time offenders and other eligible probationers. It’s always hard for them to get back on their feet or make them more acceptable in society," he told DC.

“The plan is to form such self-help groups so that they can help each other. These groups could volunteer their services to the society in many ways. They could volunteer for disaster relief work and in many socially relevant areas.”  Also, the SJD is planning to propose LSGs to incorporate projects for ex-prisoners.