Bengaluru: India’s first Tele-MANAS centre at a prison was inaugurated at Bengaluru Central Prison in Parappana Agrahara on Sunday, granting inmates access to counselling, psychological support, and mental health services. The initiative, led by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (Nimhans), was inaugurated by Justice Vikram Nath, a Supreme Court judge and executive chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), during his visit to the prison.
Tele-MANAS: A Tele-Mental Health Service
Tele-MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) is a tele-mental health service that enables inmates to access professional counselling and psychological support remotely. This initiative aims to address the mental health needs of prisoners, who often face significant psychological challenges.
Accompanying Justice Vikram Nath were Justice Vibhu Bakhru, Chief Justice of Karnataka and patron-in-chief of the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority (KSLSA), and Justice Anu Sivaraman, a judge of the Karnataka High Court and executive chairperson of KSLSA. Other dignitaries included KS Bharath Kumar, registrar general of the high court; H Shashidhara Shetty, member secretary of KSLSA; and Sanjiv Pandey, member secretary of NALSA.
Inauguration of Computer Laboratory Under 'Cells to Skills' Initiative
The dignitaries also inaugurated a computer laboratory established under the ‘Cells to Skills’ initiative, supported by RV College of Engineering. This lab is designed to equip inmates with digital literacy and vocational skills as part of their rehabilitation. The programme aims to prepare prisoners for reintegration into society by providing them with market-relevant skills.
Visit to Women's Wing and Creche
During their visit, the dignitaries toured the prison’s women’s wing, interacted with inmates, and inspected the recently established creche for children of incarcerated women. They also met the children and praised the initiative, which ensures that young children can stay with their mothers in a safe environment while receiving proper care.
Programme on Parole and Remission
The visit coincided with a programme on the ‘right of parole, remission and release under poor prisoners scheme’, organized by NALSA, KSLSA, and the department of prisons and correctional services. The programme aimed to educate inmates about their legal rights and available schemes for early release.
