Karnal, July 1: In a significant and far-reaching move to promote the rehabilitation, skill development, and self-reliance of inmates, the Haryana Prisons Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal. The agreement was finalized today during a special ceremony held in Karnal to mark NDRI's 104th Foundation Day. Initiated under the guidance and leadership of Alok Mittal, IPS, Director General of Prisons, Haryana, this program aims to empower inmates for the future by providing practical training in scientific animal husbandry, dairy farming, milk processing, and dairy entrepreneurship. The MoU was signed by Dr. Dheer Singh, Director of NDRI, and Lakhbir Singh Barar, Superintendent of District Jail Karnal, in the distinguished presence of Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Bhatia. Under this agreement, inmates will receive phased training through the dairy unit established at District Jail Karnal. The training curriculum covers various aspects, including animal care, nutrition, and management; identification of milch breeds; health and disease control; hygienic milk production; manufacturing of value-added dairy products (such as ghee, paneer, curd, and butter); and dairy-based self-employment opportunities. In the first phase of the program, inmates lodged in the semi-open and open jail sections of District Jail Karnal will be selected based on their satisfactory conduct and their interest in pursuing self-employment and livelihood opportunities after release. NDRI will conduct a three-month structured vocational training program for these selected inmates within the District Jail Karnal premises, imparting both practical and theoretical knowledge regarding scientific animal husbandry, dairy management, milk processing, production of value-added dairy products, and dairy entrepreneurship. Addressing the event, Rajya Sabha MP Shri Sanjay Bhatia commended this unique initiative by the Haryana Prisons Department and NDRI, stating that the program would play a pivotal role in integrating inmates into the mainstream of society. On this occasion, he also announced a grant of ?5 lakh for each prison in the state to encourage similar activities.
NDRI Director Dr. Dheer Singh remarked that this project is of immense importance to the institute, adding that they would provide all possible technical and training support for its successful implementation. He expressed confidence that this initiative would serve as a catalyst for bringing about positive changes in the lives of the inmates. This program, run by the Haryana Prisons Department, embodies the philosophy of correctional administration that emphasizes transforming inmates into skilled, self-reliant, and responsible citizens rather than merely keeping them confined. The department believes that such vocational training programs will provide inmates with opportunities for dignified employment and self-employment upon their release, enabling them to support their families while also contributing positively to the development of society and the nation.