Reformation and Rehabilitation of Surrendered Dacoits - A Case Study of Open Prisons of Madhya Pradesh

• NCJ Number: 73199
• Journal: Indian Journal of Social Work Volume: 40 Issue: 1 Dated: (April 1979) Pages: 41-54
• Author(s): R G Singh
• Date Published: 1979
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: UMI Dissertation Services
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: India
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

The impact of India's open prison system on the reformation and rehabilitation of dacoits, a former criminal caste whose members voluntarily surrendered to authorities, is examined.

Abstract

The two open prisons in Madhya Pradesh are intended primarily for the reformation of the dacoits. In these prisons, there is little restriction on movement, goods and services, sex, family relationships, and autonomy in general. There is freedom to pursue business, sell produce in the local market, and earn unlimited profits. Residents assist in the prison administration and manage inmate discipline. The overall intent of the program of open prisons is to reduce hostility toward and alienation from normative society and develop self-reliance and self-discipline for a law-abiding lifestyle. In order to determine dacoit progress in the open prisons, an interview schedule was administered to a sample of 100 dacoits chosen at random from those living in the two open prisons. Data on incomes and other measurable items of socioeconomic progress were obtained. Information was also obtained on the dacoits' observance of the rules and routines of the prisons and community norms. Informal discussions were held with the prison inmates to acquire data on interpersonal and intergroup cohesion and tensions in the prisons. Participant observation was used in the prisons as well. Data indicated that although the dacoits have progressed in increasing their incomes through legitimate work and have lessened their attachment to previous criminal caste norms, patterns of manipulation and exploitation of others continue, notably in the dacoits' assumption and use of power in prison self-government. Thus, although vocational rehabilitation appears to be progressing satisfactorily, the manifestation of norms of justice and empathy in social interaction is weak. Change in the latter areas will require treatment by trained and committed personnel. Tabular data and 14 references are provided.