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I think I can answer this question to some extent. I can’t compare with other states exactly as I am unaware how things work in other states. But can try explaining things working in Kerala Jails.My experience with jail comes from 3 main accounts.In my current profile, our firm is working with various NGOs in financing and technical guidance. A few NGOs registered with us, are into training and supporting prisoners as well as their families. We are constantly evaluating and auditing various reports and presentations they make.One of my relatives worked in Viyur Central Jail as Chief Welfare officer before he retired 2 years back. So I understand a lot of conditions prevailing in jails of Kerala.Personally visited 2 Jail facilities recently to evaluate and study the impact and effectiveness of various training programs provided NGOs supported by us.Like across India, Kerala has a 3 tier Jail systemSubjail/Special Sub Jails:- Mainly to house under-trials/unconvicted prisoners during their remand period either for their personal safety or for smooth conduct of investigation etc. Special Subjails were constituted to house undertrials whose remand period has extended beyond the mandatory 90 days period as well as those convicted for petty crimes whose sentences are less than 90 days/3 months.District Jail: Primary purpose of District jail is to house convicted criminals whose sentences are less than 6 months. Under-trials of sensational cases and those classified as sensitive are moved to this prison. These jails are located in District HQ of each districtCentral Jail: To house all regular convicted prisoners. Under-trials of political cases, key sensational cases like those related to terrorism or similar, those who are classified into highly sensitive as well as under-trial prisoners related to white-collars whose cases are pending in specialized economic courts etc are kept here. There are 3 main jails- Trivandrum, Thrissur, and Kannur.Then there are Open-Jails to house prisoners who are towards the last phase of their sentence and those who have the good track record so as to help them to rehabilitate faster with society.Traditionally, Kerala Jails faced almost all similar issues as like jails elsewhere in India. In 2010, then the ruling LDF Government overhauled the prison system completely. The thrust of these prison reforms was more focused for Central/District jails, hence I will be focused these two sectors with a clear admission that there are much more issues still prevailing for remand prisoners living in Subjails/special sub-jails.One key change which happened was altering the identity of officials working in Prison. Previously they were called Wardens and expected to be like whip-masters in circus camps. The older job concept for wardens was to tame and punish prisoners. This has been changed the job identity itself changed to a correctional officer. As correctional officers, their job concept is now focused on helping prisoners to overcome their habits and assisting in rehabilitation. This is much strongly felt in the attitude of much of younger generation officers appointed and many of senior officials are constantly trained to get into the new thought process.Bldgs/facilityMuch of Central jails and district jails operate in the traditional facility built in Monarchy/British era. Due to which, jail facility as such isn’t comparable to any modern facility and much of the cells are dark, dungeon kind with a dingy atmosphere. However many jails have newer blocks which are designed as spacious, well ventilated etc. One key change is replacing walls with bars in the front side, so as to allow maximum ventilation and exposure to outside.Kerala’s first disabled-friendly jail opened in PalakkadMost of newer Prison bldgs built post-2014 are designed as Disabled friendly with ramp facilities as well as tactile tiles for blind and specially designed toilets etc.One notable change is the introduction of fans in all Jail cells in Central/District jails which previously wasn’t allowed. So as all the 3 central jails now have produces 1/3rd of their total energy requirements from Solar power. Due to the installation of solar panels, prisoners also now able to access hot water from solar heaters in bathrooms.Dressing/groomingJail uniform for men- Pic taken during a personality development class in Trivandrum JailUniforms are still the same as it used to be in olden days. Male prisoners get a pair of white mundu, shirt, and undergarments while females get similar mundu, long blouse with undergarments. All of them gets a towel, a bedsheet, a blanket etc.Hygiene is strictly followed by the compulsory washing of clothes on a daily basis. Prisoners get a soap bar, a brush, a paste gel (normally one per cell depending upon numbers), hair oil and a comb. Women prisoners do get sanitary napkins (which is sponsored by HLL Lifecare). In Trivandrum, they have a vending machine for napkins (not sure about other places).For men to shave, there are designated inmates as barbers who do shave for others. Though the rule limits shaving once in a week, it's mostly a daily or once in two-day matter. Men can’t grow their beards unless approved by Jail authorities, mostly limited on religious/medical grounds.Many older concepts of shaving head/moustache upon admission etc were removed though long hair won’t be permitted. A monthly haircut is mandatory for all male prisoners. No haircuts as such for women.FoodA typical jail food served to inmatesOne key area improved is Food. The much dreaded Godamunda (Steamed Wheat Dough Balls which is extremely bland) is completely removed.Much of Jail food has been standardized and redeveloped to much nutritious and balanced meal. The focus is much on diversity and proper meals. Infact much of the food on Jail menu has attracted eyebrows of people outside citing inmates gets more food options than in many smaller restaurants outside. Of course, the food may not be tasty, but there are better ways to ensure that each prisoner gets the minimum quantity of nutrition. Various NGOs bodies and human rights organization often conduct random checks and quality assessment to ensure the food served has requisite nutrition as proposed in the manual. Much reports indicated, there is an extremely low rate of corruption when comes to food handling by prison authorities in Kerala when compared to other states.The following is the official regular menu for 3 Central Jails of KeralaApart from normal days foods, Chicken Biriyani (with boiled eggs) is served during major Non-Hindu festivities like Eid, Christmas, Easter etc while a full Kerala Sadya being offered for Onam, Vishu etc. The menu is near similar for District jails and slightly lesser in items for Subjails.Prisoners with special needs or medical issues have their own independent menu. There are a full-time dietitian and nutritionist appointed in Central Jails and part-time dietitians in District jails.Chapati-mutton curry, rice-aviyal & theeyal: Kerala’s jail inmates relish healthy foodOne interesting part is that Kerala spends the highest amount for food for the prisoner on per capita basis, in India. The state spends Rs 120 per day per prisoner for the food while Delhi spends only Rs 31.31 per day per prisoner or Maharashtra spends only Rs 32 per day per prisoner.Due to this factor, prisoners often gain weight in Kerala jails, something unusual in other jails in IndiaConvicted criminal Govindaswamy in the sensational Soumaya Murder case. Left pic when he was arrested and right pic when he was brought to court after 4 years in prison. Often this pic is used by many to criticize the Jail department for its concept of well-feeding all its convicts.SportsThe debut of Kerala Jail Cricket team against visiting team of Sri Lanka Prisons Department’s official teamAll 3 Central Jails in Kerala have football court apart from an open field to play cricket. Every block features a volleyball court or badminton facility as Sundays afternoons are regularly used to practice volleyball within the blockRecently a Jail Cricket team was formed with professional training and support from Kerala Cricket Association. The team made its debut recently when they played against Sri Lanka Prison Officers team in Trivandrum.LibraryKerala has a huge thrust on library movement across the state. The same thrust is seen in Prisons too. Trivandrum Central Jail’s library is one of the oldest in the state, started in 1900s with more than 1000 reference books and nearly 5K books on various topics. Apart from its own collection, Trivandrum Jail has a tie-up with State Central Public Library to arrange books on a rental when prisoners make a request.Both other prisons, Kannur and Thrissur have huge libraries. Most of the libraries in the state do donate older copies of their books to jails, once they get newer versions. In addition, organizations are involved in donating books, which includes popular literary organizations like Manorama, DC Books etc. Many district jails have a tie-up with local libraries for books on the rental scheme.Last year, Trivandrum jail rolled out an E-library scheme where prisoners can read books in digital format through Amazon Kindle readers so as they have access to nearly 15,000 works. This service will be extended to all central jails and district jails of Kerala.E-library for inmates at Kerala jailPrisoners also can learn and earn degrees/post graduation in social/business areas through distant education program of IGNOU. Occasionally IGNOU faculty also conduct Sunday classes for prisoners of Central jails in helping to clear doubts and prepare for examinations. There is a special short term parole called Study Leave for those who enrolled for higher education to attend examinations or pre-exam training programs etc (subjected to track record of the prisoner).Inauguration of Mandatory literacy training program.There is a mandatory literacy and primary class training (upto 9th standard) for all prisoners who haven’t passed matriculation which is compulsory. The declared goal of Government is 100% literacy in Kerala Jails.Fine Arts TrainingMany jails are also into training prisoners into fine arts, thus to make them more creative in nature. The Jail department has its own prisoner music bands as well as a traditional Chenda (Drum school) training several prisoners into professional Chenda experts.Chenda classes in Thrissur JailJail Music bands performing its concert in TrivandrumShort film made by prisoners as part of Film Training course provided to them.Personality development courseYoga training for PrisonersEvery district Jail and central jails in Kerala have mandatory annual personality development workshop. In addition, almost all jails have mandatory Yoga training.Training and rehabilitationMaybe, it's in this area, Kerala’s jails find much better and professional than many other jails across India. Kerala’s Jail Industry model, as developed since 2010, now rivals almost equal to Tihar Jail which has set an exemplary record in this field.Prior to 2010, most of the jail works are mundane in nature. It served no purpose for anyone. Since penal provisions have a concept of hard labor as envisioned in the colonial era, most of the prisoners were into unproductive labor like chipping stones or cutting wood or some light furniture parts making etc which never helped both prisoners or prison.By 2010, many such jobs came to an end. A proper modern prison industry model was put forward by then the DG-Prisons Alexander Jacob.The first venture was into food production. Since prison labour was cheap, he proposed developing ready-to-eat food products that can be sold public at competitive rates. A wide range of products like cooked chappatis/rotis, egg curries, chicken curry etc was sold at rock bottom prices which fuelled interest of the public in a big way. A Single roti/chappati costs only Rs 2 (while in hotels, it cost Rs 5–10), while an egg/vegetable curry priced at Rs 20, while Chicken /Mutton curry for Rs 50 or Kebabs/chilly Chicken/biryanis etc for Rs 80. These all are sold in kiosks established in front of Jail gates operated by Prison staff.Packed kits of ready-to-eat food products under the brand- Food for FreedomThis venture clicked so well across all jails, that a brand itself born out of it- Food for Freedom (FF) and people queue up in front of jails to buy food which is of high-grade quality with no use of any preservatives or harmful substances like Ajinomoto etc. The food is also used to support people in distress as during Chennai flood (where Kerala Jails dispatched approx 2 Lakh Rotis and curries to support people in camps) and during recent Kerala floods when Jail department rolled out 20,000 food packets and 50,000 bottled water per day to be air-dropped as well as distributed in various camps.Public ques in front of major jails to purchase food from Jail which is extremely popular nowadaysThe success of selling food impacted prisoners in a big way. They currently earn Rs 150 per day for a cooking+a small share of total profit (translates around 4500–5000 Rs per month) through which they can support their families. Further, this has been extended to remand prisoners in district jail, so as they don’t sit idle inside cells hatching new plans upon release.Buoyed by the success of Jail food sales, a new model has been put forward- Jail Cafe. The first cafe is now opened in Trivandrum, outside the Jail gate which is managed by prisoners instead of Prison staff. They are trained with basic Barista management course as well as other professional Self-service restaurant training. So as it helps them to fastly rehabilitate themselves with the society and adds up their professional experience to join in restaurants/hotel sector upon release. The success of Jail Cafe is now prompting Jail authorities to replicate to other jails.Jail Cafe cum restaurant in Trivandrum managed by prisoners.There is also a new concept of Freedom Parks being successfully rolled out in Thrissur prison called as Freedom park in front of the jail. The area has been redesigned as a family park with multiple options to unwind in evenings and weekends with dedicated kiosks for purchasing jail food. The aim of Jail Park is to remove negative notions about a jail and help public to easily socialize with prisoners and thus helping them to rehabilitate faster upon release in addition to a place to sell food.Jail Park in front of Thrissur Jail is a popular picnic spot for families with fountains, small kids rides, open-air restaurant etc intended to remove negative notion against Prison.Jail department has also tested a new model of off-site food kiosks at busy areas like bus stations, railway stations, government hospitals, IT Parks etc selling packed ready-to-eat food combos like Chappati-Chicken curry for Rs 30 or Beef Biriyani for Rs 60 etc as well as packed mineral water for Rs 10.The first Food Kiosk of Jail department in the busy bus station of Trivandrum Thampanoor, close to Trivandrum Central Railway StationThis model is proposed to be expanded by allowing dependants/relatives of inmates to open a kiosk under franchise model where they invest to open a kiosk that comes with an option of availing subsidized loan from Canara Bank. The project is pending for the government’s final approval and expected to roll out by end of this year.Jail department has already partnered with various agencies to become backend central kitchen for large-scale catering. During ISL Kochi matches, packed food prepared from Jails were sold in the facility. So as during Sabarimala season time, Pathanamthitta jail prepares combo pack of Chappatty-Veg curries to be sold at low rates for Ayyappa pilgrims which served an effective way to keep the prices in restaurants during pilgrim season under control.Recently Open Jails started a new scheme of renting prisoners as cooks for catering agencies as low as Rs 140 per day. These prisoners work as a part-time cook during day hours at specified caterers and thus able to gain career expertise as a professional chef at catering agency which they might continue upon release. Prison department is now proposing to use this a privilege option for prisoners with an excellent track record, so as it motivates them better as they can move of prison during day hours and work actively in society. This also will reduce the social stigmas against them in a big way.BakeryInauguration of first Jail bakery in Thrissur JailBuoyed by success of Jail food, the department has now ventured in bakery sector which is currently operational in Kannur, Thrissur Jails and Kochi district jail rolling out breads, buns, fruit buns etc. In Kannur jail, they started making cake and pastries, chips, biscuits, and sweets like homemade Chocolates, Ladoo, Halwa which are currently sold only to bakeries or large scale party orders. The scheme is planned to extend to all major jails.The food business is highly lucrative for many Kerala jails as they have achieved a monthly revenue of nearly Rs 1 Lakh in many jails and an aggregate profit of Rs 3 crore.Other Jail industryOrganic farming in Kerala JailsFarming is the second major Jail industry. Traditionally farming in jail was strictly for its own subsistence purposes. However post 2015, there is a massive pro-organic farming movement happening in Kerala society and Jail department also joined with that. Jail department has set up vegetable gardens in all its facility that produces excess than whats required for the jails. These organic vegetables are sold regularly to the public at standard market prices without any premium. Jail authorities make it a point to host Onam/Vishu Vegetable market in front of the Jail gates when the demand is higher.Kerala Prison DG R Sreelekha IPS inaugurating fish farmingAs part of diversification, recently they tried out caged fish farming with an experimental trial of freshwater pomfret farms in Subjail-Trivandrum engaging remand prisoners which proved a huge success, which is currently expanded to 4 Subjails in the state and will eventually cover all jails with remand facility. Apart from public sales, one aim is to ensure availability of fish curry meals to remand prisoners to ensure they get better nutritious food than current.And all larger jails have large-scale dairy farms with a tie-up with Milk federations to milk sales. A large-scale professional butchery is also set up inside Viyur for production of cleaned and packed meat for various restaurants in the city.FashionJail Fashion Boutique stored opened by DG Jail- R Sreelekha IPSApparel unit in Kerala JailsThe recent venture of Kerala Jail department is into the Fashion industry with its own common brand- Free Fashionista. The clothing line is into designer wear production as well as operates its own boutique store in Trivandrum. The model primarily works with prisoners being trained in fashion designing and tailoring where they produce its own designs and models, sold both online as well as through its own boutique. Currently, 5 prisons across Kerala are into fashion designing and 120 prisoners being trained with various courses related to fashion designing. They are equally helped by reputed fashion designers and students from apparel schools.A proposal for linking with a mass production textile unit for a corporate brand is underway, which may help more prisoners being professionally trained in this sector.GroomingJail beauty saloon opened for public in Kannur JailAs part of helping prisoners to gain a valuable skill, the prison department introduced a professional men’s saloon for the public in Kannur. 30 prisoners are trained as barbers and makeup professionals, providing all grooming solutions for the public. These air-conditioned saloons operate under a brand- Phoenix Freedom Expressions provides all standard packages as any other leading beauty parlours offers. And its success helped Jail department to expand to Trivandrum and openly shortly in Kochi, Thrissur, and Kollam.FurnitureFurniture making facility operating in Kozhikode Jail supported by RUBCOTraditionally Jail department had carpentry units, primarily making furniture for government offices etc. Recently they have revamped the units to include a facility for toy making (both soft and wooden/plastic) and thus pushing its own range of affordable larger toys for children. The 3 central jails are also producing smaller furniture units like dressing tables, kitchen cabinets, wooden cupboards etc which being sold via small-scale vendors and dealers. Currently, the Jail department is in discussion with RUBCO in reviving some of its unprofitable manufacturing units which were closed due to the shortage of skilled labour. As jail has enough labour force, the plan is to revive one plant of Rubco using prisoners and start production of branded furniture which RUBCO were doing previously.Petrol pumpsA radical idea is proposed and currently in the last phase to use prisoner labour to run petrol pumps in National highways. Indian Oil Corporation has plans to set up 100 petrol stations as company owned in less popular locations, but lack trained attendants who can serve the company on the long-term basis instead of the current system of contract workers. So Jail department came up with an idea of providing the low-risk prisoners who are towards the end of their sentence periods as well as in open jails to work in some of the petrol stations. A full-fledged workshop and supermarket are proposed where jail labour can be specialized in such areas. The proposal got clearance for Kerala govt and currently waiting for IOC’s Central HR Clearance.Jail SupermarketAs jail department produces a wide range of retail products like pickles, ready to eat food, frozen food, chips, bakery items etc apart from toiletries like mosquito coils, agarbattis, toilet cleaners, brushes, liquid soaps etc, a proposal to set up supermarkets near to Jail compound was made. The first Jail supermarket will be opening shortly in Kannur followed by Thrissur.Contract labourKerala Prison department has proposed to provide skilled laborers as contract workforce for various construction projects. Recently an indoor stadium in Kannur was constructed using Prison labour which was constructed for much lower value than estimated due to cheaper labour. However, the project is yet to be cleared due to the government’s apprehensions about security.Recently Kerala Jail department revived the project after Kerala floods. A new proposal was made to make better use of skilled/trained workers for road/bridges and public infrastructure development works for rebuilding much of these facilities which shall be cost-effective. It's learned, the government has a positive stance on using prison labor for such projects now considering the savings they can make.Overall Prison industry is Kerala is highly booming. Kerala ranks top in per capita prisoner output in value-added products in the country. On average, a prisoner in Kerala produces products worth for Rs 30,000. Kerala also ranks top in Best Practices in the Field of Welfare and Rehabilitation of Prison Inmates program of NCRB.Equally, Kerala is also the highest spender for prisoner welfare activities which includes quality healthcare, food, and career development.Saying so, it's not everything perfect in Jails. There are many typical problems Kerala jails equally faces as like anywhere in India. The most serious being over-crowding.Still within all that limitations, Kerala has successfully able to redefine the model to more correctional and training facility, that too spread across the state instead of limiting to one or two facilities unlike other states.Jail is definitely not a desirable place to go in. But definitely, the place shouldn’t be a living hell, rather a facility to help those who once slipped or erred in their life to prepare for their future. In that area, Kerala jails are well performing.

Hey Akshaya,MARCOS.To qualify as a MARCOS you need to qualify their training process and to enter into the training process you need to enter the Indian Navy. So all aspirants planning to become MARCOS are required to become naval soldiers first, and then they will get a chance to get golden chance to join the elite force, MARCOS. I am writing down the recruitment and training procedure for MARCOS.Talking about recruitment of MARCOS, all commandos are male and being a naval fragment all its personal. The selection is done at the early age of soldiers, i.e. in the 20s of fresh soldiers to maintain the strength and josh in the force. Well, as per the criteria, the aspirants get a chance to get inducted in the Indian navy through NDA, CDSE, SSC etc. and also through direct recruitment for lower posts. The required basic physical strength is high and so is the training process. So aspirants to get into this organization, you need to first become a part of the Indian navy. The training is a continuous process. American and British special forces assisted in the initial training, which now consists of a two-year course for new recruits. The training regimen includes: airborne operations, combat diving courses, counter-terrorism, anti-hijacking, anti-piracy operations, direct action, infiltration and exfiltration tactics, special reconnaissance, unconventional warfare training etc..Training– As far as training is concerned; it takes 2-3 years to train a MARCOS commando. The majority of training of MARCOS takes place over INS Abhimanyu. The training actually takes place at various agencies of Indian navy and the Indian army. They also get training with army’s paramilitary force at Indian special force training school.Any Indian Navy personnel who wants to join this outfit must first undergo a three-day long, physical fitness test and aptitude test. Within this process, 80% of the application are screened out. Further screening process is known as 'hell's week'. This is actually a five-week-long process which involves high degree of physical exercises and sleep deprivation. It is only after this process that actual training beginsThe total duration of training of MARCOS is between two and half to three years.The basic training lasts six months. The first two months is the weeding out phase. The first phase of which lasts one month, in which they undergo many rigorous physical tests of which only 50% pass. Then for the next nine months, they are taught how to use different types of weapons, conduct special warfare techniques and how to gather intelligence from the enemy.The cadets start with basic diving and commando tactics and skills. Those that go on are trained in every aspect of modern warfare and in every situation. This includes firing while lying down, standing, running full-sprint, even backwards and looking into a mirror – with a reaction time of 0.27 seconds. This is followed by a year of training of specialised skills. They are trained in various types of close combat including Krav Maga.Different forms of warfare training is imparted through field operations in counter-insurgency and anti-terrorist operations within the country and are trained to operate in any kind of environment like beaches, deep sea, on the surface of the ocean, in jungles, ravines and for situations like hostage rescue, urban combat and piracy. A notably rigorous training program is the "death crawl" – an 800-metre struggle through thigh-high mud, loaded with 25 kg of gear and after a 2.5 km obstacle course that most soldiers would fail. After that, when the trainee is exhausted and sleep-deprived, he has to undergo the final test – shooting a target 25 metres away, with a partner standing next to it.The MARCOS are trained in every kind of weapon and instruments, from knives and crossbows to sniper rifles, handguns, assault rifles, submachine guns and bare hands. Being divers, they can reach hostile shores swimming underwater.The further training includes:Open and closed circuit divingBasic commando skills including advanced weapon skills, demolitions, endurance training and martial artsPara trainingIntelligence trainingOperation of submersible craftOffshore operationsAnti-terrorism operationsOperations from submarinesSkydivingVarious special skills such as language training, insertion methods, etc.Explosive ordinance disposal techniquesThey are also trained to parachute into open water with full combat load. In 2013, the MARCOS have introduced a larger duck-drop system which will be fitted on IIyushin II-76 aircraft. Each system (two boats) can accommodate 32 commandos, their weapons and fuel for the boats. Duck-drop system that marcos operate in the past is smaller in size which is fitted on An-32 aircraft. This force-multiplier was developed by the Agra-based Aerial Delivery Research & Development Establishment. Once para-dropped from the aircraft, it allows for the commandos to assemble inflatable motorised boats within ten minutes, and quickly reach ships in distress. On reaching the target, they can dismantle the boats and travel underwater to mount a surprise attack. Such rescue missions can be mounted by the commandos deployed within an hour unlike in the past, when commandos took up to 48 hours to reach the targets as it involved travelling on-board ships and then being deployed on motorised boats.The Marcos are also preparing for urban warfare and have begun practicing on 3D virtual models of offshore installations to ensure a swift response during a terrorist attack. The marine commandos are undergoing regular training sessions in this computer-generated programme to be well-prepared for a strike similar to the 26/11 attack. Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has provided a virtual model of its facility in Krishna-Godavari basin in the east, for the marine commandos at INS Kalinga, the training base for Marcos in Visakhapatnam.MARCOS will carry out amphibious operations at Frasersgunj in the Sunderbans as part of their routine training. Frasersgunj, with its beach and proximity to the estuarine delta, is an ideal location for such exercises, the source added. The Coast Guard is in the process of setting up a base at Frasersgunj and station hovercraft there. More importantly, the elite force will get a feel of the Sunderbans, which is considered at risk from infiltrators and terrorists. There are so many waterways running through the Sunderbans delta that it is not possible to maintain physical vigil on all movement there. Security experts believe that the threat from terrorists moving in from the sea still remains. With so many vessels passing through the Sunderbans, it may be a route for terror outfits to send in armed men to carry out an attack like that on Mumbai. In case of any eventuality, the Macros are most likely to be called in as it is a marine environment. A major part of their training is kept under wraps. Frasersgunj will be an ideal location where secrecy can be maintained.The Indian Navy initiated the process of procuring five midget submarines for Marine Commandos (MARCOS). These vessels would have the capacity of carrying four to six personnel on board. The submarines would have a diving depth of around 400 meters, and will strengthen the MARCOS ability to carry out special underwater operations in high seas. The midgets will have the capability of carrying out both manned and unmanned operations and will be equipped with a number of weapons including torpedoes. In 2009, the navy initiated the process of procuring these vessels and issued a Request for Proposal to Indian shipyards including Hindustan Shipyards Limited, ABG and Pipavav shipyards. Due to their faster speed and smaller size, midgets are able to escape the enemy Sound Navigation and Ranging (SONAR) probes making them useful in carrying out covert operations,and help troops to penetrate into hostile territory without getting noticed by enemies. In 2013 other noteworthy development, Vizag-based Hindustan Shipyards Ltd won the contract for building four 500-tonne mini-submarines, which were designed back in the previous decade by Larsen & Toubro. The mini-submarines, to be delivered in the latter half of this decade, will be used exclusively by the Indian Navy’s MARCOS. The combat management systems have been designed and built by TATA Power SED, while Riva Calzoni will be supplying the periscopes and other masts that will host a SATCOM communications systems and LPI navigation radar. The sonar suite is likely to be supplied by ATLAS Elektronik.The average MARCOS training drop-out rate is more than 90%. The force has its own training facility, first as an adjunct of the operational company at INS Abhimanyu, in Bombay,later as the Naval Special Warfare Tactical Training Centre. For combat diving training, the commandos are sent to the Naval Diving School, Kochi. There are plans to move the Naval Special Warfare Tactical Training Centre to the erstwhile Naval Academy facility in Goa where it will be set up with focus on jungle warfare as well as counter insurgency operations. The new facility will be modelled on the lines of CIJWS of the Indian Army in Mizoram.NSGSELECTIONA candidate cannot enter directly to National Security Guard force. Since NSG is a deputation force, there is no direct recruitment. The recruitment for NSG Commandos are generally done from existing defence forces. So in order to be eligible to become a National Security Guard, one has to be a soldier or a member/ trainee of a military or para-military force. Only those with excellent performances are considered for NSG. Besides, they should not have any red-ink entry, no criminal record and have no punishment record in the last three years of service.Ranks in the NSG range from junior commissioned officer to team commander. Aspirants for Entry-level positions are required to be less than 30 years old and should have a minimum of 2 years in the defence service. There are also several physical and psychological tests to assess suitability in NSG.TRAININGThe National Security Guard Training Centre is located at Manesar in Haryana about 50 km from New Delhi. The 14 month training program commence with the basic training which last for 3 months (90 days). The basic training include physical fitness that has 26 elements, ranging from a cross country obstacle course to jumping from heights and across divides, and scaling different kinds of terrain. The training prepares the commandos to handle sophisticated communication equipment, combat gadgets and different kinds of arms/ specialized weapons such as AK-47/ 74s, browning hi-power 9mm pistols, etc. and bolt-action Mauser SP66/ 86SR which is specifically deployed for anti-terror/ anti-hijacking operations. There is a target shooting session at the end of the obstacle course meant to test the aspirant's performance under conditions of stress and exhaustion.Those who successfully complete the basic trainings are sent for nine months of advanced training.Advanced Training familiarises the NSG personnel with state-of-the-art surveillance gadgets and other sophisticated equipment. The advanced training unit has a superb bomb disposal squad unit. Advanced training also covers ‘combat room shoot’ in which commandos have to enter a dark room, adjust their vision to the darkness and shoot at a target within three seconds by torchlight or a compatible laser image intensifier. Similar training is also conducted under discotheque strobe lights. Shooting skills are honed at an electronic combat shooting range, which is divided into 11 zones and spread over 400 metres. Recruits have to cover the distance in 6.30 minutes and fire at 29 targets along the way, with the target exposure time between two and three seconds and the targets are of all kinds – vertically rising, popping out, moving and rotating. The faster a person engages the target the more points he scores. It is not just non-reactive targets that they practice against. In twin room shooting, rival combatants enter contiguous rooms and watch each other’s movements on a screen. They are supposed to neutralise each other by shooting at the screen. The exercise test the combatants response time and accuracy under near-field conditions. The men are also put through a battle inoculation program where they have to stand right next to the target while one of their partners shoots at it.Only those who complete the entire course successfully are inducted into the NSG and given further specialised training. Some NSG personnel are sent to Israel for advanced training. Though it is not known exactly what training they receive, it could probably be the CT/HRT course with Unit 707.For maintaining the young profile of the force, troops are rotated and sent back to their parent organisations after serving in the NSG for three to five years.GARUD COMMANDOSSELECTIONThe basic selection of GARUD commandos is through two processes. The process is on the bases of commission. For non- commissioned vacancies, airmen selection process and for commissioned post, ground duty trainees of GDOC.Non-Commissioned Post – The selection for GARUD is done directly and not from volunteers, through Airmen Section Centres. Recruitment is initiated by the release of notification/ advertisement. Most interestingly, there is no second chance for section. Means it’s now or never. And after selection, you have to make grade during your training schedule. And if you fail, you are out. After the completion of training, the trainees are merged into the force. After joining the force, one keeps in this stream till he serves in Indian Air force.Commissioned Posts – Commissioned post for GARUD units are filled by the cadets of ground duty at Air force Academy, Dundigal. And for GDOC, you have AFCAT exam. After getting trained, they get into the GARUD unit.TRAININGUnlike its counterparts in the Army and Navy, candidates for Garud Commandos are not selected from volunteers of other branches. Recruitment to the Garuds is done directly through airmen selection centers via advertisements.Candidates found eligible for the force are put through a process of rigorous physical training. Candidates have only one chance to become a Garud trainee. Once a recruit completes training and meets required standards, he is absorbed into the Commando force and is retained in this stream throughout his career.Wherever he is posted in the IAF, he will be part of a Garud Unit. This approach ensures that the Commando Force retains its highly trained men all through their career with the IAF.The first batch of Officers for the Garuds were volunteers from the Cadets of the Ground Duty Officers course being trained at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Andhra Pradesh. These officers on successful completion have been absorbed into Garud Force and will be permanently assigned to the force till the point they reach senior ranks and go for higher postings.Garud trainees undergo a 72-week Basic Training course, which is the longest among all the Indian special forces but it also includes basic training. The total duration of training before a trainee can qualify as a fully operational Garud is around 3 years.The initial phase is a three-month probationary training which filters in the promising candidates for the next phases of training. This phase, which usually has a high attrition (Drop-out) rate is conducted at the Garud Regimental Training Centre located at Hindon, Ghaziabad which is near to New Delhi.The subsequent phase of special operations training is imparted by the Special Group of the Special Frontier Force, the army, NSG and the paramilitary forces. Those who qualify, proceed to the Parachute Training School (PTS) at Agra to complete the basic airborne phase. Trainees are trained along with paratroopers of the Indian Army.The remainder of the phases concentrates on niche fields like jungle and snow survival, demolition, etc. Garuds also train at the diving school of the Indian Navy and the Army's Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS). The final phase of training is active operations on being attached to Special Force Units of the Indian Army, which helps the Garuds in gaining operational experience.After induction, the commandos also undergo advanced training, including anti-hijack and counter insurgency training, jungle and snow survival techniques, specialized weapon handling and advanced driving skills.Hope this helps.Good Luck.Cheers. :)

The highest crime rate shown in Kerala is a positive thing!Trust me, I am a Keralite and I live near Kochi -- the city with the highest crime rate in the country. But I am not afraid. I rather feel safe and secure.The crime rate is the number of registered crimes for every 100,000 people. It counts every crime from stealing a pen to missing mobile phone to trespassing to keeping the sound of the music system high to murder.It does not mean that high number of crimes are happening in Kerala. It rather means that large number of crimes are getting registered in Kerala. It means that people have trust in police, law and order.The people in Kerala are more educated and empowered. As a result, most of the incidents get reported. I've seen many people seeking police -intervention in issues that will never be reported anywhere else in India.In most states of India, police themselves refuses to register crimes so as to keep the number of crime rate low. But in Kerala, it is the direct opposite, here even the smallest cases are encouraged to be reported and registered.The Kerala police DGP himself has made it clear that the high crime rate is not a matter of concern, but is encouraging since it shows the strength and effectiveness of Kerala police.Kerala police is one of the most people-friendly police forces in our country. They introduced the Janmaithri policing few years back, and it removed the 'fear of police' from the people's mind.The words of Kerala police:Parents please do not tell your children that police will take them away if they are bad. We want them to come to us when they are scared; not to be scared of us.This video is extremely worth watching. Please watch for at-least one minute:To know more about Janmaithri policing, please watch this 5 minute video in this link 'Awesome people friendly policing of kerala - Sathyameva Jayathe'"Police officers of all levels in the City has been asked by the Kochi City Police commissioner to address the civilians by 'Sir, Madam, friend or brother.' Show respect, be pleasant and smile.For example, if the offender was riding a bike without wearing a helmet, the police official should say “Sir, Riding without a helmet is an offense and is subject to a fine. You are requested to either pay the money right now or appear in court”Source: Kochi Tips's Photos. Suggested by Tijo Philip in comments.According to this Wikipedia article 'Crime in India', Kerala have the lowest violent crime rate and lowest murder rate in our country.Here is a video of Kerala Police surprising traffic violators with gifts on Valentine's Day:Want to know more about policing here?Kerala police uses high-tech state of the art traffic surveillance system (big cameras with speed radars) to detect, identify, and prosecute motorists who violate speed limits on accident-prone highways.​​When the system detects a speeding vehicle, the cameras will automatically capture the rear registration number plate of the vehicle and its video and still images from different angles, then it will send the information to the control room where your challan (fine) will be automatically generated. The challan will contain the photo of the vehicle from various angles. Then it will be mailed to the vehicle owners residential address. The fines range from Rs300 to Rs1000 for over speeding. The fines can be paid online or offline. Failure to pay the fines on time will result in increased fines, court hearing, license cancellation etc.​Note that this is a 2 year old speed violation notice. New ones have much more details.Hi-tech crime enquiry cell​Since normal policemen do not understand crimes involving high-technology such as hacking they are not capable of investigating such crimes, so a new special unit was made to specifically handle such crimes.Hi-Tech Crime Enquiry Cell is a special unit of the Kerala police for handling cyber crimes and other techno based crimes in Kerala.The most commonly reported crimes are hacking, sending of pornographic mails, distorting social network sites, sending obscene SMS /mails, cyber cheating, cyber stalking etc. I don't think such things are even reported in any other state.South Asia's first tourist police stationA large number of tourists visit Kerala every year from various parts of India and abroad. One of the main problems that a tourist faces is “Whom to contact in the case of distress, and how to contact?”To solve that problem and to ensure the safety of each and every tourist, Kerala police have opened the country's first police station which is exclusively for international tourists. In this system, a telephone number 9846 300 100 will be publicized, and any tourist can contact this number and seek guidance/assistance, which will be promptly provided.The tourist police station will have all facilities to assist foreign travelers, to clear their doubts on passport and visa, guidelines to lodge complaints about lost passports and to renew expired visas.Image: Two tourist police men. Tourists can seek their help for route maps, brochures and other information too.​Ever heard of a police tourism carnival?Watch this 2 minute video explaining about tourist police station.Kerala Coastal Police​Kerala have a big coastal region with lot of backwater areas, to safeguard from attacks like "26/11 Mumbai attacks," Kerala police have an exclusive coastal police force with pretty cool gadgets. (like the boats shown above and the ATV shown below.)​Image: Kerala Coastal police with their All Terrain VehiclesKerala ThunderboltsApart from everything mentioned above, Kerala have its own commando force called 'Kerala Thunderbolts'. It is a newly raised 160-member elite commando force which has been formed to tackle possible terror strikes in the State.The commandos, modeled on the National Security Guard and the Special Protection Group, have been trained in battle obstacles assault course, mob operation, jungle warfare, anti-terrorism, counter urban insurgency, unarmed combat, criminal psychology, bomb detection and disposal, disaster management, underwater and airborne operations.Their equipment are of world standards, including tactical vests, light weight bullet jackets, tactical boots, hi-tech communication devices, satellite phones, M4 carbines, Steyr rifles, including MP5 machine guns, Glock 19 pistols, ballistic shields, tactical vehicles, Diocom sat phone, bomb robots, Tasers (electroshock weapon), stun grenades, night vision devices and specially designed helmets.With 14 kg of weapons, ammunition, bulletproof body armour, dry rations, and communication equipment strapped to their back, the Thunderbolts can easily complete a 5-km uphill course in less than 21 minutes, scale a 26-foot wall effortlessly, and complete a 30-km cross country run in less than two hours.Source: Sleeping with their weapons primedOnly the best of the best 18-21 year olds gets selected for this program and the recruited commandos have to undergo two year rigorous training in the following training centersCommando School, Chennai,National Disaster Management School, Coimbatore,Indian Army's Counter insurgency and Anti Terrorism School, Vairengte, Mizoram,National Adventure School, Munnar,Indian Navy's Underwater Operation and Diving school, Kochi andAirborne Operation Air force School, New DelhiWith such high level of training, I think the aim of Kerala police is to make a SWAT team for the state. (just like in U.S)Can you make a list of police forces which can be reached through Whatsapp?​​If you see a crime is happening, all you need to do is to take a pic/video with your phone and send it through WhatsApp. Done!Need help? Saw a missing child? A traffic violator? Someone asking bribes? Just send a message to the cops through WhatsApp. Done!ConclusionCruel crimes like murder, rape etc. are much much lower than the national average in Kerala.Higher reporting of crimes are likely due to higher education and awareness levels.High crime rate can be due to registration of even the smallest issues.Police encourages people to file FIR.High-tech police force.As in every other organization/company/police-force, Kerala police also have its own kind of problems and negative sides. For-example: the moral policing issue which resulted in the "kiss of love" protest. But they are still much better than many other police-forces in our country.