NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, INDIA F. Research Projects 4.22 From Cell to Society: A Study on the re-integration of Released Prisons in Kerala and Tamil Nadu i. The Commission approved a research proposal titled ‘From Cell to Society: A Study on the re-integration of Released Prisons in Kerala and Tamil Nadu’ by Dr. R. Santhosh, Assistant Professor (Sociology), Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai on 14.09.2018. The duration to complete the research project was nine months with a financial assistance of Rs. 11,23,375. ii. Purpose of the study: » To examine the psychological factors affecting the released prisoners. » To look into the complex process of social integration in which there are a number of components like familial relations, role of community dealing with social stigma and discrimination and so on. » To understand the questions related to livelihood issues and economic independence. » To reflect on the efficacy of various schemes & programmes in the prison as well as on the wider social factors including social stigma, livelihood issues, familial conditions etc. iii. Aim: To explore the theme of social integration of released prisoners from central prisons of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. iv. Findings and Recommendations: » The prison administration system must give enhanced importance to the correctional aspect. » The sentence of imprisonment must be understood as the punishment for the crime committed and the life within the prison must be seen as the opportunity for the offenders to reform themselves and re-enter into society » As a primary step a systematic classification of prisoners must be introduced in every prison. » A host of new-age crimes such as the ones come under POSCO, Domestic Violence Act, crime against women and children, cybercrimes, UAPA and so on require more sophisticated intervention plan in the prisons so that the offenders are given specialized counseling, awareness programs and psycho-social interventions so that there is a definite attitudinal change takes place among them. » The correctional aspect of prison must be seen as a pivotal domain that requires the service of qualified professionals. 44 ANNUAL REPORT 2019-20