HYDERABAD: In the complex world of criminals serving terms in jails, it's the rural inmate who has an edge over his fellow mates hailing from urban areas, in reintegrating into society after serving the term.

Contrary to the popular perception that urban areas provide anonymity helping easy reintegration, the urban inmate is found to get `contaminated' easily to become a hardened criminal after his release.

The total ineffectiveness of reformation and rehabilitation responsibilities of the correctional institutions, prisoners, especially those serving short sentences, metamorphose into full-fledged criminals once they are out.

These are some of the findings of a research paper "From prison community to free community - a study in aftercare and rehabilitation of released prisoners in Andhra Pradesh." The research done by Mr. Ahmed earned him a doctorate from Andhra University this year.

The study, in which more than 300 released prisoners were interviewed, found a severe mismatch between the vocational training imparted in jails and the competitive market outside.

The work programmes in jails were more product-oriented than reform-oriented.

Another important finding was that the reintegration was smoother for those hailing from rural areas or having strong family ties. The indiscriminate sentencing of `short term offenders' (sentenced up to three years) and persons involved in non-serious crimes was the biggest stumbling block in reintegration.

Crucial period

While the first six months after the release are extremely crucial for reintegration, the lack of any `aftercare' was leading to recidivism.

To check this trend, the study suggested that the Government introduce effective programmes like starting Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). A statutory `aftercare' system should also be in place to facilitate rehabilitation.

Maintaining continuity in treatment programmes after the release, establishing a meaningful communication channel between prison authorities, governmental and non-governmental agencies, chalking out meaningful programmes for jobs, housing and financial stability through providing multiple skills, involving the community in treatment programmes, encouraging the prisoners to maintain family ties during the term were some of the suggestions made.

The study also suggested that `probation services' where a convict could be released but put on probation for maintaining good behaviour should be encouraged.

Similarly, the concept of ordering community service for petty offences should be encouraged instead of incarcerating them.

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