Established in 1995, the Don Bosco Prison Ministry of the Province of Kolkata provides prisoners with skills and opportunities and helps them rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society. Founded by Father N.T. Scaria, SDB, and co-piloted by Father T.L. Francis, with the support of the Provincial team, the ministry has focused on skill development, social integration, legal aid, social awareness programs, and family welfare schemes. Male inmates participate in training programs like electrical work, computers, tailoring, and automotive driving, while female inmates focus on tailoring. Evaluating the ministry for 103 inmates enrolled in technical courses at Berhampore Central Correctional Home, West Bengal, the Salesians have decided to step up quality skill training by partnering with DB Tech and collaborating with the Schneider Project.

Over the years, the Don Bosco Prison Ministry has earned several accolades for its pioneering work. Among these is the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) Certificate of Appreciation, awarded in 2006 at the Presidency Correctional Home, Kolkata. The honour recognized the ministry's dedication to protecting the rights of marginalized individuals in correctional homes. In 2012, it received the Pascual Chavez Award for Innovative Salesian Ministry for rehabilitating young prisoners and reintegrating them into society.

Father Biju Michael, SPCSA President and Regional Councillor for South Asia has lauded the ministry's efforts. Marking the program's 25th anniversary, Father Michael emphasized the importance of expanding the program's reach beyond provincial boundaries and developing a model that can serve the larger Salesian community across South Asia.

The Assistant Coordinator of Don Bosco Prison Ministry, Anupam Choudhury, distributed 300 T-shirts to the inmates of Berhampore Centre.
A documentary film, "Joy Behind Bars: Don Bosco Prison Ministry," continues to inspire young Salesians and lay leaders in the Province and beyond.

View video online Joy Behind Bars.