Rashtriya Raksha University and Madhya Pradesh Prison Department Inaugurate State's First Psychosocial Care Centre for Reformation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration at Central Prison Bhopal

In a landmark step towards transforming the correctional administration ecosystem, Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) and the Madhya Pradesh Prison Department inaugurated the state's first Psychosocial Care Centre (PCC) at Central Jail, Bhopal, today. The inaugural ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Dr. Varun Kapoor, IPS, Director General of Prisons; Dr. Rakesh Singh Kunwar, Director of RRU Bhopal; and Forensic Psychologist Om Tiwari, alongside other senior prison officials and RRU leadership. This marks the establishment of the 9th core PCC nationwide under RRU’s mandate, reinforcing the university's commitment to institutionalizing professional mental health services within custodial settings.

Global Correctional Administration Studies (GCAS) Vision

The initiative is a vital component of the Global Correctional Administration Studies (GCAS), envisioned by the Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor to fulfil the mandate given by the Hon’ble Prime Minister for RRU to emerge as a global leader in Correctional Administration. GCAS was initiated in 2022 by Dr. S.L. Vaya, a lifetime professor and former director of SCBS, launching the first PCC for Rehabilitation and Reintegration at Ahmedabad Central Prison in association with the Gujarat State Legal Services Authority (GSLSA).

Structured Clinical Treatment, Rehabilitation, and Capacity Building

The newly inaugurated facility features dedicated, confidential infrastructure for psychometric evaluation and clinical consultations, serving a dual mandate: the comprehensive rehabilitation of inmates and the capacity building and psychological wellbeing of correctional officers and staff.

The multidisciplinary team will treat inmates through a structured, evidence-based rehabilitation pathway rather than purely punitive measures. This includes psychological screening to identify trauma and suicidal ideation, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to address behavioural risks, and targeted de-addiction and family counselling programmes designed to break the cycle of substance-driven crime and facilitate safe societal reintegration. Simultaneously, the centre provides a support system for frontline staff operating in high-stress environments, ensuring their mental resilience.

National Impact and Institutional Expansion

Following an overwhelmingly positive response from both inmates and staff, the PCC model rapidly expanded across all central prisons in Gujarat by 2023. Today, RRU operates PCCs in 7 states, with Bhopal becoming the 9th operational centre—joining four in Gujarat, and one each in Puducherry, Karnataka, Arunachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.

Through its dedicated team, RRU has successfully delivered psychosocial services to over 5,000 inmates and provided specialised training to more than 1,250 correctional staff nationwide. Moving forward, RRU is actively partnering with every state and Union Territory's correctional department to extend these services across the entire country.