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Key Points

Gujarat has rolled out a welfare scheme for prisoners' families, offering financial incentives for academic and sports achievements. Elderly inmates will receive dedicated healthcare and living facilities. The Vikasdeep initiative aims to support rehabilitation and upliftment. The state government hopes these measures will bring positive change to inmates' lives.

Key Points: Gujarat Launches Vikasdeep Scheme for Prison Inmates' Children and Elderly

  • Cash rewards for inmates' children clearing competitive exams
  • Sports achievements earn trophies and certificates
  • Elderly inmates get separate barracks and medical care
  • Special ramps and legal aid for senior prisoners
2 min read

Gujarat announces several initiatives for welfare of children of prison inmates, elderly inmates

Gujarat announces cash rewards for inmates' kids excelling in exams and sports, plus special care for elderly prisoners under CM Bhupendra Patel's leadership.

"These landmark decisions will foster hope and rehabilitation for inmates and their families – Gujarat CMO"

Gandhinagar, August 15

Under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi, Director General of Prisons L N Rao, on Friday, announced significant initiatives for children of inmates and elderly and ill prisoners in Gujarat's jails, said a press statement from CMO.

Under the Vikasdeep scheme, children of inmates will receive cash rewards and certificates for their achievements in competitive exams. Those who clear the Preliminary Exam will be awarded ₹5,001 along with a certificate. Clearing the Mains and Written Exam will fetch Rs 10,001 and a certificate. For final selection and appointment, children will receive Rs 15,001, a memento, and a certificate.

Awards will also be given to the children of inmates who excel in sports. At the state level, a Bronze Medal will earn ₹3,001 and a certificate, a Silver Medal ₹5,001 and a certificate, and a Gold Medal ₹7,001, along with a trophy and a certificate.

At the national level, a Bronze Medal will fetch ₹7,001 and a certificate, a Silver Medal ₹10,001 and a certificate, and a Gold Medal ₹15,001, accompanied by a trophy and a certificate. Children of prison staff will also be eligible for similar rewards for excellence in competitive exams and sports.

Special provisions have been announced for elderly and ailing inmates aged 60 and above. These include allocation of separate barracks, caretakers for daily activities, special ramps, and priority access to prison hospitals.

They will also receive regular medical check-ups and health camps, a nutritious and healthy diet, timely provision of required medicines, mental health counselling facilities, and legal assistance for bail and mercy petitions.

These landmark decisions are expected to open new avenues for growth and upliftment of inmates and their families, fostering hope and rehabilitation.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the scheme is good, ₹15,001 for final selection seems too little in today's times. Should be at least ₹25,000 considering coaching fees and expenses. The elderly care provisions are excellent though.
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Arjun K
As someone whose uncle was in prison, I know how hard it is for families. This will restore dignity to inmates' children. The sports rewards are especially good - many hidden talents in these communities!
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Sarah B
The elderly inmate provisions show real humanity. My NGO works with prisoners - many old people suffer silently in jails. Separate barracks and medical care will make huge difference. Well done Gujarat!
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Vikram M
Hope the implementation is transparent. Such schemes often get stuck in bureaucracy. Should have online tracking for rewards distribution. But definitely a step in right direction for prison reforms.
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Kavya N
Mental health counseling is much needed! Prisoners' families face so much stigma. My sister is a psychologist - will suggest she volunteers for this. Every state needs such comprehensive welfare measures.

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