TEAM HERALD

teamherald@herald-goa.com

PANJIM: There is a move by industry leaders in Goa to turn inmates lodged at Sada jail into entrepreneurs, as part of  their rehabilitation process once they are released from jail.

The initiative launched  by  I Create, India in collaboration with the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI). is part of the 'I- Create methodology in entrepreneurship skills development training to jail inmates', which has been launched across the country.  I Create, resource person Manish Gosalia, told Herald.  I-Create India is a subsidiary of the US based I Create Inc.

"The basic aim of the concept is to upgrade entrepreneurship  skills amongst  undertrials and convicts who face a major problem once released from jail”,  he said adding  that during the nine-day-long programme, the inmates would be trained in various business skills, giving them confidence to stand on their own feet, once released.” 

He said that before training them, the trainers would identify various innate qualities that these inmates have. 

The organizers recently held a meeting with Inspector General of Prisons Mihir Wardhan and Sada Jail Assistant Superintendent Bhanudas Pednekar explaining to them about the programme and their requirements, especially the profiles of prisoners.

50 master trainers, would train a total of 150 inmates, including 22 convicts, in a week long programme, scheduled in the second week of July. 

When asked, Gosalia said that inmates, once out of the jail, can avail of funds under Chief Minister Rojgar Yojana (CMRY) scheme  for setting up their business. "GCCI being an apex industrial body can also help in generating employment in various industries”, he added. 

The official said that they are looking at this programme as a pilot project in Goa. which, if successful could also be introduced at the Aguada jail.