Bhopal – Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel emphasized the need for comprehensive and multi-dimensional prisoner rehabilitation, urging authorities to adopt a humane, sensitive, and thoughtful approach that promotes positive thinking among inmates. Speaking to officials of the Home and Jail Department at Lok Bhavan on Monday, the Governor highlighted that initiatives such as Prime Minister’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program could help inmates develop constructive thinking, build confidence, and enhance resilience.
Governor Patel instructed officials to incorporate employment-oriented programs within prisons, enabling inmates to contribute financially to their families and gain practical skills. He stressed that undertrial prisoners lodged for minor offences should be guided not just through punishment but through constructive reform, helping them reintegrate into society and shed the label of “criminal” to become responsible citizens contributing to nation-building.
राज्यपाल श्री मंगुभाई पटेल ने गृह एवं जेल विभाग के वरिष्ठ अधिकारियों के साथ आज लोकभवन में चर्चा की। pic.twitter.com/ubDeqEoBwE
— Governor of Madhya Pradesh (@GovernorMP) February 23, 2026
“Listening to ‘Mann Ki Baat’ can connect inmates, even those in isolation, to the country’s progress and inspiring stories,” he noted, adding that it would foster optimism, self-improvement, and a positive outlook while reducing negativity.
Governor Reviews Prison Welfare and Mercy Petitions
The Governor also reviewed other key aspects of prison administration, including pending mercy petitions, rehabilitation of women inmates, care for children of incarcerated mothers, accessibility for differently-abled and elderly prisoners, and productive engagement of prison labor.
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Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Shri Shiv Shekhar Shukla informed that 18 mercy petitions received during 2025–26 are under review, and all petitions from the past five years are being examined. A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is being developed to ensure their expedited disposal. He also highlighted a recent initiative to broadcast an online ‘Gita Paath’ across the state’s prisons, viewed by nearly 11 lakh people in 180 countries, featuring correct recitation of Bhagavad Gita verses along with detailed explanations and interpretations.
Governor Patel’s remarks underline the state’s commitment to rehabilitative justice, focusing on skill-building, moral guidance, and psychological support to help inmates reintegrate successfully into society.