Haryana jails launch skill and polytechnic courses to rehabilitate inmates

Haryana has launched an ambitious correctional education programme that brings skill development centres, ITI-level vocational training and polytechnic diploma courses inside its prisons, with a strong focus on rehabilitation, employability and structured reintegration of inmates.

The initiatives were inaugurated by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant from the District Jail Bhondsi under the project “Empowering Lives Behind Bars, Real Change: The New Paradigm of Correctional Justice” . The programme aims to transform prisons into centres of learning rather than mere sites of confinement.

Under the initiative, inmates can enrol in ITI and vocational trades such as electrician, plumber, fitter, welder, wireman, turner/machinist, draughtsman, carpentry and refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) technician courses. In addition, a three-year polytechnic diploma in computer engineering has been introduced, along with basic computer applications, digital literacy programmes and hardware maintenance training. Soft-skills and life-skills modules have also been embedded into the curriculum to improve workplace readiness.

Both convicted prisoners and eligible undertrial inmates can apply for these programmes, subject to good conduct and administrative approval. Eligibility is based on willingness to participate and minimum educational qualifications. Generally, ITI and vocational courses require a minimum of Class 8 or Class 10 qualification, while the polytechnic diploma in computer engineering requires successful completion of Class 10 with basic knowledge of mathematics and science. Medical fitness and a clean disciplinary record inside prison are also considered.

The programme does not exclude inmates who lack formal educational qualifications. For those who fail to meet the minimum academic standards, prisons will run bridge courses, adult literacy classes and foundational education programmes. Such inmates will be directed toward basic skill training in trades such as tailoring, weaving, carpentry assistance, candle and agarbatti making, bakery work, gardening and other manual and semi-skilled occupations. After completing internal literacy assessments, these inmates can graduate to higher-level ITI and technical courses.

During the launch ceremony, Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah, Justice Rajesh Bindal, Justice Augustine George Masih and Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief Justice Sheel Nagu, along with senior judges and state officials, were present.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stressed that without structured support, prisoners returning to society often face isolation, instability and a high risk of reoffending. He called for district-level reintegration boards, simplified bail procedures for vulnerable groups such as migrant workers, mental health support and trauma-informed counselling as integral parts of prison reform.

The programme is being viewed as a significant step towards transforming Haryana’s correctional ecosystem by ensuring that even those who begin without formal education are provided a clear pathway from basic literacy to advanced technical qualifications in preparation for life after release.