a comprehensive de-addiction and rehabilitation programme for drug offenders aimed at reintegrating them into the society through counselling and psychological support, at the Central Prison–II, Puzhal on Thursday evening." />
States » SouthPosted at: Sep 25 2026 10:25AM


In India's first, 'PAYANAM", a de-addiction, rehab prog for drug offenders launched in Puzhal Central Prison

Chennai, Sep 25 (UNI) In a first of its kind initiative in the country, the Tamil Nadu government launched “PAYANAM" (Journey),
a comprehensive de-addiction and rehabilitation programme for drug offenders aimed at reintegrating them into the society through counselling and psychological support, at the Central Prison–II, Puzhal on Thursday evening.
Among the first in the country “PAYANAM (Postive Awareness Yeilding Against Narcotics Addiction Movement) – Comprehensive
De-addiction and Rehabilitation Programme for Drug Offenders” was launched as a pilot project by Sandeep Rai Rathore, Director General of Police / Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Tamil Nadu.
Prison Department and Correctional Services has understood the necessity of rehabilitation among those addicted and therefore, PAYANAM has been designed as a structured programme focusing on de-addiction, behavioural change, rehabilitation and reintegration into society, through counselling, psychological support, therapeutic interventions, life-skill development and rehabilitation support.
Speaking on the occasion, Rathore said drug addiction affects not only the individual but also the family and society, and that the responsibility of the correctional system should extend beyond custody to include treatment, reform, rehabilitation and reintegration.
Expressing his gratitude to the TN Government for its continued support and for providing various facilities and opportunities towards the correction, rehabilitation and welfare of prisoners, he said PAYANAM is aligned with Chief Minister Vijay's recent emphasis on creating a drug-free Tamil Nadu, with focus not only on awareness and prevention, but also on de-addiction, treatment, rehabilitation
and social reintegration.
He placed on record the special appreciation for Ravi Kumar Paul, Senior Advocate and Managing Trustee, PRISM, and his team for conceptualising and designing the PAYANAM module and partnering with the Prison Department in implementing the pilot project
and acknowledged their commitment and continued support towards making the initiative a meaningful rehabilitation programme.
At the national level also, increasing emphasis is being placed on a comprehensive approach towards prevention, treatment, de-addiction, rehabilitation and reintegration. PAYANAM seeks to bring such an approach into the prison environment in a structured manner.
Rathore said while the department could provide the necessary support, counselling and opportunities, the decision to change has to
come from within. He encouraged the participants to make positive use of the programme, develop their skills and prepare themselves
for a better life after release.
As a pilot project, the implementation and outcomes of PAYANAM will be monitored and evaluated, and the experience gained will
be used for further strengthening and development of the programme.
“PAYANAM does not end when you leave the prison. The real PAYANAM (Journey) begins when you return to society", he added.
UNI GV 1015
Tags: #In India's first# 'PAYANAM"# a de-addiction# rehab prog for drug offenders launched in Puzhal Central Prison
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