Women Prisoners Becoming Self-Reliant Through Nischay Programme

Nischay programme is making women prisoners self-reliant. In Raipur, Central Jail, a unique initiative has been launched for the holistic improvement of women inmates and their dignified rehabilitation into mainstream society. Under the Nischay programme run by jail administration, vocational training is being provided to make women prisoners self-reliant, creating employment opportunities within the jail. 60 women prisoners received training in pickle and spice production. At Central Jail Raipur, 60 women prisoners convicted of various offences were given special training in basic pickle and spice manufacturing as a commercial venture. The main aim is to equip them to establish their own business units. During training, they were taught practical knowledge on food product manufacturing, quality control, hygiene, packaging and safe storage. After completion, the women started regular production of pickles inside the female block of the jail. Through the Aastha Home Industry, they are getting a market and becoming self-reliant. The inmates prepare hygienic pickles of mango, lemon, carrot and garlic with full cleanliness inside the jail. Arrangements have been made for the sale of these quality products. The finished items are made available to the public via the Aastha Mungodi Center (Aastha Home Industry stall) within the central jail premises and the jail canteen. A part of the revenue is directly deposited into the accounts of the women prisoners, making them financially empowered and self-reliant. Jail as a centre of positive change – Jail Superintendent. The commendable initiative was highlighted by the Superintendent of Central Jail Raipur, Mr. Yogesh Singh Kshatri, who said that jail is not only a place of punishment but also a centre for bringing positive transformation in life. Under the guidance of Jail Director Mr. Himanshu Gupta, the Nischay programme in prisons provides vocational skills to women inmates. These skills will help them become self-reliant and enable them to live respectfully in society and earn a livelihood after release. Jail administration also clarified that such vocational training programmes will continue to be conducted regularly for the bright future of the inmates.