Karnal jail inmates to receive dairy entrepreneurship training

To promote rehabilitation, skill development and self-reliance among inmates, the Haryana Prisons Department, in collaboration with the ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), will soon launch a three-month vocational training programme in animal husbandry and dairy entrepreneurship for inmates at Karnal Jail. The department recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the NDRI to implement the initiative.

The department believes that such vocational training programmes will help inmates secure dignified employment or start self-employment ventures after their release. It also aims to enable them to support their families and make a positive contribution to society and the nation.

The programme has been launched under the guidance of Haryana Director General of Prisons Alok Mital. It aims to equip inmates with practical knowledge and skills in scientific animal husbandry, dairy farming, milk processing and dairy entrepreneurship, enabling them to become self-reliant after their release, said Lakhbir Singh Brar, Superintendent, District Karnal Jail.

“We have signed an MoU with the ICAR-NDRI. Under the agreement, inmates will receive structured training through the dairy unit established on the jail premises. The programme will cover scientific animal care, nutrition and livestock management, identification of different dairy breeds, animal health and disease control, hygienic milk production, preparation of value-added dairy products such as ghee, paneer, curd, butter and other milk products, as well as various aspects of dairy-based entrepreneurship and self-employment,” he said.

Brar said that in the first phase, inmates lodged in the Semi-Open and Open Jail, who have maintained satisfactory conduct and are willing to pursue self-employment after their release, will be selected for the training.

The selected inmates will undergo a structured three-month vocational training programme to be conducted by NDRI scientists within the jail premises, he added.

The programme will provide both theoretical and practical training in scientific animal husbandry, dairy management, milk processing, preparation of value-added dairy products and dairy entrepreneurship.

ICAR-NDRI Director Dr Dheer Singh assured full technical and training support for the successful implementation of the programme. He expressed confidence that the initiative would bring about a positive transformation in the lives of inmates.

“The project is of great significance for both the institute and the inmates,” he added.