For a ‘dignified livelihood’: ITI to be set up in Burail Jail, initial courses to focus on wood work, sewing

Union Minister of State (Independent) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary on Thursday visited the Vocational Centre at Model Jail, Sector 51, Chandigarh, on Wednesday to review the preparations. He was accompanied by Home Secretary Mandeep Brar, Education Secretary Prerna Puri, IG (Prisons) Pushpendra Kumar, Additional IG (Prisons) Dr Palika Arora, and other senior officials of the Chandigarh Administration.

Expressing appreciation for the reformative approach, the minister said the purpose of prisons is not merely to keep individuals confined but to reintegrate them into society as responsible citizens. “The objective is to provide them with new paths, skills, and opportunities. Skilling is about dignity and hope — helping people earn meaningful livelihoods and build self-worth,” he remarked.

According to officials, the ITI project was conceived following action points set by the Punjab and Haryana High Court committee on “Making and Strengthening the VC System in Jails/All Institutions under the JJ Act and District Courts” during a meeting held on February 5.

According to the officials, in the first phase, the ITI will launch one unit of Wood Work Technician (24 candidates) and two units of Sewing Technology (24 candidates each). More trades will be introduced in phases, with the Department of Technical Education already seeking exemptions from the Director General of Training, MSDE, to operate within jail premises.

The initiative goes beyond skill building, officials said. It incorporates on-the-job training (OJT) and digital literacy modules to prepare inmates for the demands of a modern and technology-driven workplace.

Officials said that such structured engagement would reduce the chances of repeat offences, improve discipline within prisons, and foster a positive atmosphere among inmates.

The State Directorate and Jeevan Dhara ITI are working together to facilitate admissions through a special exemption process, as inmates cannot use mobile phones for the mandatory OTP-based registration system.

The ITI is scheduled for formal inauguration on September 25, on the eve of the birth anniversary of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, as part of the Seva Pakhwara celebrations.

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