Telangana’s Prison Department has opened an ashram of a different kind. This ashram is meant for beggars, and it actively works for their rehabilitation by not only offering them shelter, but also working for their overall holistic development.
Named Anand Ashram, it started as a rehabilitation programme for beggars in 2017 and has become an ashram in the true sense now. In conversation with Indian Masterminds, DG Prisons and Correctional Services Telangana, VK Singh (IPS) who is currently serving as Advisor to Govt of Punjab, spoke in detail about this ashram initiative.
ANAND ASHRAM
In 2017, Telangana State Prison Department took an initiative in the field of social welfare and used its expertise and domain knowledge to establish a rehabilitation centrecalled Anand Ashram for beggars. For this purpose, they turned its vacant and unused structures into special homes where beggars could come and stay.
Mr. VK Singh said, “Initially many of the intellectuals and critics were skeptical about the capability of the prisons department to shoulder such responsibility. It was even misconstrued as a crude measure to clean Hyderabad in the event of Miss Ivanka Trump visiting India. But today, it is known as the most successful initiative started by any prison department in the world.”
Anand Ashram has two separate branches for male and female – Central Prison, Chanchalguda and Central Prison, Cherlapalli. Both were started on October 20, 2017 by the department of prison in collaboration with the municipal administration of Hyderabad and urban development department, Govt of Telangana.
OBJECTIVES
Mr. Singh outlined the objectives of the ashram to Indian Masterminds: “Our main objective is eradicating begging from society and improving the facilities which can enhance the dignity and self-confidence of the less privileged and repressed. Providing education, nutritious meals, health services, working on spiritual needs – all these things are being practiced in Anand Ashram today.”
He further informed that the ashram is playing a significant role in removing drug-peddlers and disease-carriers to safe environs, eradicating mafioso in rackets of begging, human trafficking, road prostitution, etc., besides providing shelter to the needy, handicapped, widows and the sick.
VIDYA DAN
Today, the Ashram is the residence of around 14,443 migrant people who are being trained in various skills like, tailoring, book binding and embroidery, etc. They are also being educated to gain self-dignity.
Mr. Singh said, “There are regular classes for Telugu, Hindi and Urdu study groups. Classes are conducted in two spells, from 9am to 11am and 3pm to 5pm every day. They are also provided text books and slates, and volunteers ensure their attendance and learning outcome.”
At the time of admission to Anand Ashram, all go through a biometric procedure and if any money is found on the person, the amount is kept in custody of the official-in-charge and is recorded in the property register. The same is returned to the person at the time of leaving the ashram.
MEDICAL AID
The residents of the ashram are also provided medical aid and undergo regular health check-ups.
Mr. Singh said, “Not only doctors visit here on a regular basis, but patients are also sent to Osmania General Hospital and Gandhi Hospital on reference. Residents with mental illness are referred to the Institute of Mental Health, Erragadda. Medical camps like dental camp, TB camp and eye camp are arranged frequently. We also provided 20 Jaipur legs to physically handicapped residents. Medical diet is provided as directed by the Medical Officer and so is counseling in case of need.”
EMPLOYMENT
Anand Ashram also helps willing inmates to find employment. “Willing beggars are being employed in prison industries or outside in private concerns. Several beggars are provided employment in our petrol bunks and Ayurvedic Village,” Mr. Singh said.
There are also facilities for cultural activities and sports inside the ashram premises and programmes are conducted from time to time where both inmates and staff participate.
REWARD
A Rs. 1000 reward was announced by the Telangana Prisons Department for any person who reports a beggar to an official. “However, in most cases, people refused to take the reward,” Mr. Singh said. The step is aimed at involving the public in the project and create mass awareness. “All cities can be made beggar free with little expenses, if the government wants,” he added.
