Internship Experience @ Central Prison and Correctional Home, Trivandrum

This Internship Experience has been submitted by Lekshmi M Nair.

Name

Lekshmi M Nair

Name of the College

Mar Gregorios College of Law, Trivandrum

Name of the Organisation

Central Prison and Correctional Home, Trivandrum, Kerala

Duration of Internship

May 8, 2025 – May 14, 2025

How did you Apply?

To apply at the Central Prison and Correctional Home Trivandrum Kerala, at first, I got the permission letter from the college and I submitted the same as in- person to the Correctional Office along with a request letter. I patiently waited for the approval letter from Director General of Police (DGP), and it took about one month.

After the confirmation via email, I contacted to the Welfare Officer, Poojapura Central Jail, and took the internship dates along with the copies of Government order and college identity card.

First-Day Formalities, Infrastructure, and First Impression

First day of my internship at Central Prison and Correctional Home Trivandrum Kerala, commenced there on May 8, 2025, and I after the clarifications, I was briefed about the rules and regulations to be maintained on site and after that I was directed towards the common room where the fellow interns were assembled also where they provide us with multiple session.

After the roll call, a session was given by the prison officers. The infrastructure there were amazing with its huge walls that pours out the history of freedom struggle and its well maintained exposure. The place was very tidy and also it was covered with plants and natural habitation.

The major impression I got here was the way they utilise their purpose of establishment by making the prisoners get involved with the day-to-day activities rather than just locking them in and wasting their time. The officers are very diligent and responsible for their actions, and they are also very approachable.

Main Tasks

After I got enrolled there, i got various sessions on criminal laws, parole, different types of offences and officers and their purposes, the history of jail establishments , security systems, major achievements and most importantly the site visits. I am very grateful towards the prison management for such marvelous and well disciplined way of arranging the requirements while internship.

I got the opportunity to visit the clock tower, from where we could see all the departments and activities taking place. These included the gallows, where death sentence convicts are executed, along with a briefing on the history of executions in Kerala and the involvement of Project 39A by students of Delhi Law University.

We also visited the Prison Press, where covers and notices for Kerala government programs and nearby shops are printed; the Prison Manufacturing Unit, where prison uniforms are stitched and packaging work is carried out; the Prison Visiting Cell, where inmates are allowed to meet and interact with visitors for 30 minutes under the supervision of an officer; the Prison Petrol Pump, where inmates work under strict monitoring; the Prison Parlor, which offers spa services to the public; the Prison Mini Cafeteria, where food prepared by inmates is sold to the public at very reasonable prices; the Prison Fashionista clothing store; and the Prison Canteen. In addition, we were informed about other departments such as the Prison Farm and the Prison Food Factory.

I also got the opportunity to work on a poster making for the Kerala Government event “Navakeralam 2025″ happening at the Kanakakunn, Kerala, where the theme was about: mental health of prisoners” and one of the posters got published there too.

Work Environment

The internship work environment was really very adaptive and comfortable because we were given the freedom to approach the officers if we need any help. The officers were very polite and also very informative that they tried their maximum to show us around and give us the better understanding about the prison management. The sessions were taken by various prison officers at different units.

They also made us understand about the different aspects of prison management. We were given enough materials for the preparation of the project.

Good Things about the Internship

The internship at Central Prison and Correctional Home Trivandrum Kerala, was a gateway to the world of prison management and human rights for those who were locked in the dark cells, hoping for the light of freedom. They provided the very updated news about the prison and prisoners.

They shared their life-experiences while in prison. The inmates were practically made as their labor force too with wages.

Bad Things about the Internship

The cons of the internship that i felt is was the absence of practical experience in some of the departments there, as to say on-the-job training or a work session. Lets say about the printing department or manufacturing department, etc. This initiative is riskier as in a thought but an innovative initiative like this could enhance the socio-legal culture of the prison administration and its public involvement.

Also a live session or a small interview with one of the inmates to understand in depth the life inside the prison.Although my internship was meaningful, some of the NGO and child care home inspections were disturbing. Many of these places lacked even basic hygiene and care, and some seemed to exist only on paper.

It was hard to see that kind of neglect up close. However, seeing the Secretary take firm action against them showed that the DLSA is serious about holding such institutions accountable and protecting vulnerable people.

Monthly Stipend

The internship at Central Prison and Correctional Home Trivandrum Kerala, was an unpaid type of internship. More of the monetary benefits, I gained many once-in-a-lifetime real experiences in the central prison.

Details about the Accommodation, Commuting to the Office

I did not required any additional accommodation as I was residing in Trivandrum.

Anything else you want to share?

There is a cafeteria outside the prison premises, where I and my fellow interns went for lunch and its budget-friendly, clean and in order. There is also a bookstore nearby to read some articles. From the prison, i got session about various topics concerning the status quo and many legal controversies.

We had an interactive sessions with the officers where it was similar to the panel discussion.

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