Inmates of this Indian prison to get smart cards to stay in touch with family; see details

The Tamil Nadu Prison Department in India has recently introduced smart cards for inmates to help them maintain better communication with their families and legal representatives while serving their sentences. This innovative initiative is aimed at bridging the gap between prisoners and their loved ones, allowing them to keep in touch despite physical separation.

The smart cards, which are being issued free of cost, are being implemented in various prisons across Tamil Nadu. These cards are similar to debit or credit cards and are equipped with a microchip that stores essential information about the inmate, including his or her prisoner ID number, name, and contact details.

To use the smart card, an inmate's family or legal representative needs to visit the nearest Common Service Centers (CSCs) or designated counters at the prisons. They will be required to provide necessary documents such as identification proof and the prisoner's ID number. Once the verification process is complete, a smart card will be issued, which can be used to make calls or send messages to the inmate.

These smart cards will enable inmates to make calls at subsidized rates, significantly reducing the communication costs for both parties. The cards can also be used to send messages, which will be printed and delivered to the inmate during visiting hours. This feature will allow prisoners to communicate more frequently with their families, providing emotional support and maintaining stronger relationships.

Additionally, the smart cards will also facilitate the exchange of funds between inmates and their families. This will enable inmates to purchase essential items from the prison canteen or pay for various services such as photocopying or phone calls using these funds.

This initiative is expected to bring numerous benefits for both the prisoners and their families. It will help maintain stronger emotional bonds, reduce feelings of isolation, and provide a sense of normalcy for inmates during their time in prison. Moreover, it will also help reduce the burden of travel and accommodation costs for families who wish to visit their loved ones.

In conclusion, the introduction of smart cards for prisoners in Tamil Nadu is a significant step towards improving communication between inmates and their families while serving their sentences. This initiative will not only help maintain stronger relationships but also provide essential services at subsidized rates, making life inside the prison more bearable for inmates.