The 5th National Conference on Uniformed Women in Prison Administration, organised by the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) at BPR&D-CAPT, Bhopal, commenced today. The two-day conference, being held on 8–9 October 2026, brings together women prison officers from 27 States/UTs, senior prison administrators, academics and subject experts from across the country.

The inaugural session was graced by Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Hon’ble Minister of State for Home Affairs, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. The Director General, BPR&D, welcomed the Chief Guest and delegates. The Chief Guest released the publication “Directory of Prison Officials in India 2026.”

In his inaugural address, Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar emphasised enhancing the leadership capabilities, specialised training and technological skills of women officers and developing a gender-sensitive, humane and rehabilitation-oriented prison system. He called for greater innovation, attention to mental health, partnerships with specialised institutions and sharing of best practices among States to ensure safe, modern and effective prison administration.

Shri Alok Mittal, IPS, Director General, BPR&D, highlighted the importance of capacity building, women’s leadership and gender-sensitive correctional administration. He stressed technology-driven initiatives such as e-Courts, e-Prisons and prison digitalisation, effective implementation of schemes for assisting indigent prisoners, strengthening open correctional institutions and reducing prison overcrowding. He also emphasised skill development, rehabilitation and reducing recidivism, while underlining the decisive role of women officers in building a safe, modern, humane and rehabilitation-oriented prison system.

The first day featured three thematic sessions on the changing role of women in correctional services:

• Women in Correctional Leadership: From Participation to Policy Influence focused on strengthening women’s leadership, equitable career opportunities and their participation in policy and decision-making.
• Training & Capacity Building for a Future-Ready Women Workforce in Prison Administration addressed specialised training, professional competencies, digital proficiency, leadership development and continuous learning.
• Women Behind the Uniform: Occupational Stress, Mental Well-being and Workplace Resilience focused on psychological support, work–life balance, peer networks, institutional wellness initiatives and gender-sensitive workplace policies.

The Director, BPR&D-CAPT, Bhopal, proposed the vote of thanks.

Through the conference, BPR&D aims to strengthen the leadership, professional capacity, well-being and institutional voice of women in prison services and promote the adoption of best practices into policy and prison reforms, contributing to a safer, modern, humane and rehabilitation-focused correctional system.

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