PROBATION & AFTERCARE SYSTEM
Probation is universally accepted as an effective and scientific method for prevention of crime and delinquency. The age-old idea was that the offender should be confined to the prison and kept away from the community as long as possible. But, in course of time, it has been realized that the protection of society is better ensured if the offender is corrected and reformed through individualized treatments.
Social Rehabilitation of ex-convicts and offenders placed under supervision of poor economic condition is a grave social problem. This scheme is to provide some financial assistance to them for starting some Industry, Craft or Small Trade so as to enable them to earn a livelihood. The After Care Programme intends to rehabilitate released prisoners and probationers coming under the supervision of District Probation Officers. By utilizing this amount they shall be engaged in small scale income generating activities.
PROJECT NERVAZHI
The “Project Nervazhi” is implemented in the State to rejuvenate and modernize the probation system in Kerala. It aims for better and regular identification of offenders eligible for probation, to undertake comprehensive investigation reports to ascertain whether they are amenable to correction, to provide necessary psychological treatment when necessary, and to ensure effective supervision to enhance the likelihood that the probationers will be integrated back into society. Through this process of increased application of probation, the project aims to reduce recidivism, reintegrate the offenders back into mainstream society, to reduce overcrowding in prisons and to increase the efficiency of the criminal justice system.The objective is to reform the offender by allowing him to reintegrate with his family and reduce the social stigma always attached to an offender’s family.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
“Probation Fortnight Programme” is a flagship programme organised by the Govt. of Kerala in the State from November 15 – December 4 annually. November 15th, the birth anniversary of Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer is marked as the Probation Day in the State of Kerala. It is observed to commemorate the days from the Birth Anniversary to the Death Anniversary of Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer who is well known as the People’s Judge and the pioneer of Judicial Activism in India.
As a part of Probation Fortnight Programme, three awareness sessions have been organised for Public Prosecutors, Advocates and Law students on 19th of November, for Police officials on 24th of November & for Legislators on 29th of November by the Social Justice Department.
This programme is scheduled to commence on 19 November 2022 at PWD Guest House Conference Hall,Thycaud from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm.The session will be inaugurated by Sri. K. Vidyadharan, Secretary & Sub Judge of District Legal Services Authority, Thiruvananthapuram.The welcome address will be done by Sri.Giftson Raj S, Probation Officer Grade -I, Thiruvananthapuram. Muhammad Shafi, Senior Asst.Public Prosecutor, Attingal will be delivering the presidential address for the programme.The felicitation for the programme will be done by Adv. Anayara Shaji, Bar Association President, Thiruvananthapuram. Sri. Maheshwaran Nair K, Probation Officer Grade -I, Thiruvananthapuram will be delivering the Vote of Thanks for the programme.
The first session of the day will be taken by Sri. Safi Mohan M.R, Asst. Professor, Government Law College, Thiruvananthapuram on the topic ‘Probation and Reformatory Justice’ from 10.30 am to 12 pm. The programme will be carried on by the second session taken by Sri. Elias Thomas, Dist. Social Justice Officer, Pathanamthitta on ‘Probation System & Practical Aspects’ from 12 pm to 1.15 pm. It will be continued by a session on ‘Project Nervazhi & Various Financial Schemes’ by Sri. Roy David, Probation Assistant, Probation Office – Thiruvananthapuram after a short lunch break from 2 pm – 3.30 pm.
