Chandigarh, Dec 5: The Punjab and Haryana High Court will introduce a new set of vocational programmes inside Model Jail, Burail, marking a major shift towards rehabilitation-centered prison management. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant will formally launch the initiative on December 6 during a virtual ceremony hosted at District Jail, Gurugram.
“This is a step toward real correctional justice,” a senior official said, noting that the project is built around the theme “Empowering Lives Behind Bars.” Judges of the Supreme Court, including Justice Rajesh Bindal and Justice Augustine George Masih, along with Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and other high court judges, will join the event.
As part of the reform model, the court has facilitated the establishment of Jeevan Dhara, an Industrial Training Institute within the Burail jail complex. The centre offers structured vocational training, blending practical skills with theoretical lessons. Trainees will receive NCVET-recognised certificates, improving employment prospects once they rejoin society.
The 2025–26 academic year has begun with two certificate courses — Sewing Technology and Woodwork Technician — while more trades such as COPA, welding, plumbing, cosmetology, dress making and electrician training are being planned. Officials said the long-term aim is to create a full spectrum of ITI and diploma courses behind bars.
The reform effort runs parallel to a month-long drug awareness programme coordinated by lawyers, doctors, police and para-legal volunteers. “Education and early awareness can change trajectories,” said a participant in the campaign, which focuses on themes including Awareness Begins at Home & School and Community Rising Strong.
By pairing vocational training with preventive awareness, authorities said they hope to reduce recidivism and help former inmates reintegrate with purpose, improving both personal outcomes and public safety.
