Govt to impart organic farming training to inmates of Midnapore Correctional Home

Kolkata: The state Technical Education, Training and Skill Development department will impart training on organic farming to the inmates of Midnapore Central Correctional Home (MCCH), with the objective of making their integration into society easier and at the same time, equip them to be employable.

"The state Correctional Administration department will soon submit a formal proposal to us. I have already held talks with the minister of the concerned department. There is availability of space in the MCCH and we are already working on the modalities," said Purnendu Basu, minister for Technical Education, Training and Skill Development.

It may be mentioned that the department has already provided training to inmates in three correctional homes in the city. 38 inmates of Dum Dum Central Correctional Home have received training through their 'Electrician & Wireman' course.

Experts from ITI Tollygunge went to the prison for the training. Certificates were handed over by Basu a few days ago.

40 inmates of Alipore Women's Correctional Home have been trained in domestic work and cooking. "We have used the most modern training equipment for both these subjects. Modern day cooking involves the use of microwave ovens, induction cookers etc. and several other equipment," a senior official of the Correctional Administration department said.

37 inmates of Alipore Central Correctional Home have already undergone training in plumbing and masonry. "The certificates that we are awarding to the successful inmates are acknowledged even in the national level. So we are confident that after their release they would be rehabilitated through gainful employment," Basu said.

It may be mentioned that there are a handful of NGOs which, in coordination with the Technical Education department, are also providing training to the inmates at a number of correctional homes in the state.

"The new skills that they will learn during their stint in the prison will open up avenues for honest employment, after their release. These courses will prevent their minds from getting diverted towards harmful activities," said a senior official of the state Correctional Administration department.

The department is also planning courses on elderly and child care for the inmates.