‘Talks on to arrange jobs for trained inmates after release’

Dikshit said prisons in Delhi have earned distinction for providing opportunities to inmates to become self-sufficient upon their release from jails.

“Delhi Prisons lay great emphasis towards the recreational activities such as sports,cultural programs,yoga and meditation and vocational training etc,” she said.

Recently,an offer has been received from a Business House promising jobs for released prisoners who had maintained good conduct inside the prisons,she added.

She said telephone facility would also be provided to inmates so that they could communicate with their family members. The Chief Minister also inaugurated a Cafeteria in the premises.

The setting up of the Vocational Training Institute is a remarkable step in providing vocational training to prisoners.

The institute is established under Skill Initiative Incentive Scheme (SDIS) of Ministry of Labour,with the assistance of Directorate of Training and Technical Education,of the Delhi government.

Tihar jail has identified 80 modular employable skills courses in 14 areas,including hair dressing,fabrication,garment making,hospitality,printing,refrigeration and air-conditioning.

Dikshit informed that the prisoners registered under various courses will be imparted theoretical knowledge as well as practical training by expert technical instructors.

The minimum qualification for most of the courses is 5th pass and minimum age is 14 years.

The institute will provide short-term training courses varying from 60 hours to 480 hours and the fee will range between Rs 500 to Rs 2,000.

The successful trainees will be awarded certificates by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) and provided work at jail factory initially.

Approximately 4,000 inmates have been selected in central jail number 2 for various courses in the institute.

Dikshit said the government was working on a proposal to construct new jails at Narela and Ghitorni and Baprola areas in Delhi to decongest the existing prisons.

A new jail complex,consisting of six jails,is coming up at Mandoli for lodging around 3500 prisoners. Dikshit also visited HIV prevention and drug addiction centres and the meditation centre.