Bandi Sanjay urges leadership roles and training for women prison officers

Hyderabad: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar called for greater leadership opportunities, specialised training and technological skills for women prison officers. He also stressed mental health support for personnel working in prison administration.

Bandi Sanjay inaugurated the fifth National Conference on Uniformed Women in Prison Administration on Thursday. The event took place at the Central Academy for Police Training in Bhopal. The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) organised it. Women officers from 27 States and Union Territories took part.

The Minister released the “Directory of Prison Officials in India 2026” during the programme. Discussions at the conference focused on the role of women in prison administration. Participants also discussed the need to strengthen their professional capabilities.

Bandi Sanjay highlighted the role of women prison officers in maintaining prison security. He said they also help inmates move towards reform. He called for stronger professional support so that officers can perform these responsibilities effectively.

The Minister stressed the need to address the healthcare, safety and rehabilitation requirements of women prisoners and their children. He said prison administration should place human dignity at the centre of its functioning. He described these as areas that need sustained attention from prison authorities.

Technology should support women prison officers, says Minister

Bandi Sanjay said technology should support professional judgement rather than replace it. He emphasised the need for a modern prison system that focuses on reform and rehabilitation.

He also called for greater attention to the working environment and professional development of women prison officers. Specialised training and technological skills, he said, would help them meet the changing requirements of prison administration.

The Minister stressed mental health support for them as well. He said their responsibilities extend beyond security duties and include guiding inmates towards rehabilitation.

Bandi Sanjay said the government is committed to building a modern and humane prison system. He linked this approach to reforms aimed at strengthening correction, rehabilitation and dignity within prison administration.