The Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) has expressed commitment to enhancing prison conditions despite budgetary limitations.
Speaking at the ceremony, Commissioner of Prisons Hassan Zareer identified drug-related challenges as a major concern for the current generation. He noted that a significant portion of inmates were convicted on such charges, commending prison officers for their commendable efforts in caring for, rehabilitating, and reintegrating them into society.
Additionally, Commissioner Zareer drew attention to the infrastructural issues within the prisons, emphasising his determination to improve facilities for both inmates and staff despite financial constraints. He outlined plans to commercialize prisons and expand existing projects. He also outlined initiatives to develop and educate prison officers and staff. He proposed transforming the Institute for Correctional Studies (ICOST) into a college, offering free master's degree level courses.
MCS has recognised officers with over 20 years of service, as part of the 15th anniversary of the Asseyri Prison. As such, individuals with exemplary attendance records and those that achieved notable results in examinations were presented with awards.