Field Visit to Puducherry Central Prison (Kalapet): A Profound Learning Experience

As part of the Fundamentals of Criminology and Criminal Justice System course, students from the BCPS First Year and MA/MSC First Year in Criminology at the Rashtriya Raksha University, Puducherry Campus, undertook an insightful field visit to the Puducherry Central Prison, Kalapet. The visit, guided by the faculty team and facilitated by prison officials, offered a rare and meaningful opportunity to understand the functions, challenges, and rehabilitative measures within a modern correctional institution.

On Thursday, 20 November 2025, MA/MSC Criminology 1st year students, along with faculty-in-charge Mr. Nethaji Subash, Ms. Nina Oviya, and Dr. Syama, and on 02 December 2025, BCPS- 1st year students, along with faculty-in-charge Dr. Shabin and Ms. Shilpa, went on a field visit to the Puducherry Central Prison, Kalapet.

The students were warmly received by Shri Baskaran, Superintendent of Police (Prison), who presented an overview of the prison’s administration, inmate demographics, security infrastructure, and daily operational routines. The students then toured various sections, including the Visitors’ Room, the Kitchen, Workshop Units, Agricultural Farm, Library, and the Recreation Facilities.

The visit provided invaluable insights into us in prison administration, inmate segregation, advanced visitor communication systems, and comprehensive reformation initiatives. The overall assessment indicates a strong emphasis on rehabilitation and social reintegration over mere punitive confinement.

Key Learning Points from the Visit

• Insights into Prison Administration & Inmate Segregation
• Modern Security Measures
• First-of-its-Kind Visitors’ Communication System
• Food Management & Kitchen Operations
• Vocational Training & Productive Engagement
• Educational & Cognitive Development
• Rehabilitation Through Counselling & Recreation
• Real-World Understanding of Correctional Philosophy

The experience allowed the students to witness firsthand how correctional institutions balance security, discipline, reformation, and humanitarian values. The prison’s emphasis on rehabilitation rather than punishment was visible at every stage of the visit.

The field visit to Puducherry Central Prison was an eye-opening academic experience, bridging classroom theories with real-world correctional practices. It provided students with a deeper understanding of prison administration, human behavior, rehabilitation strategies, and the vital balance between security and humanity. Such visits not only enrich academic learning but also shape future criminologists to approach criminal justice with knowledge, empathy, and a reformative mindset.