Good response to ITI courses, 255 inmates enrolled in 5 jails

After receiving affiliation from the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), the Directorate of Skill Development and Industrial Training, Haryana, has started ITI courses in five state jails. These jails are: Central Jail Ambala, District Jail Karnal, District Jail Jind, District Jail Faridabad, and District Jail Gurugram. As many as 255 inmates have been enrolled in 12 trades.

To run these courses, classrooms, workshops and all necessary facilities have been set up. The ITI classes commenced on September 10. “Following final approval from NCVET, a three-year diploma programme in computer engineering will begin in the District Jail Gurugram. Classrooms, three laboratories and related facilities have been established, and a technical inspection team from the Haryana Technical Education Department has inspected the arrangements. A total of 28 students have been identified, and their admission process is complete,” Director General (Prisons) Alok Kumar Roy said at a press conference today.

He said efforts were underway to enhance the identification and tracking of criminals in jails using modern methods. Measures were being taken to install management systems and forensics laboratories, which would help maintain detailed digital records, facial recognition, DNA, nail, and retina scans of inmates. The facilities would operate within a National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NFIS), aiding criminal tracking and judicial processes.

The Jail Department has proposed setting up a state-level exhibition in Panchkula to showcase the transformation in inmates’ lives and promote public awareness. The exhibition aims to display skill development, training, education, vocational progress, food, health services, open jails and other rehabilitative activities undertaken for general inmates by well-behaved prisoners.

The department highlighted significant improvements, including no overcrowding, absence of gang activity, proper discipline of minors, and the elimination of gang culture in prisons. “Well-behaved inmates are being given responsibilities to help improve jail management. Positive thinking among staff and a focus on reformative and rehabilitative corrections are being promoted,” said a police spokesperson.