INDIACSR Network
NANITAL : In line with its constant struggle to rehabilitate the inmates serving time in prisons and to give them a chance to start anew with a clean slate, Vedanta Foundation has been facilitating computer training for the prisoners residing in many jails across India.
On the 6 October, 2012, a computer center was inaugurated in Haldwani Jail in Nainital, Uttarakhand, by the City Magistrate, Mr. Uday Singh Rana. As many as five computers were provided. The trainers from Vedanta Foundation are competent and capable individuals, sensitized to deal with the prisoners and their special needs.
Several prisoners have shown admirable enthusiasm to be a part of this training program, which kicked off with a batch of 25 inmates. After completion of the initial training, which includes basic computer knowledge, the prisoners will be given a choice to pursue tally and DTP.
Certificates will be handed out to the participating prisoners, at the end of the course. This program will allow them to equip themselves with many fruitful job prospects, post their term in the jail.
Eminent ones present for the ceremony were, Circle Officer, Mr. Pramindra Singh Dobal, Circle Officer, Mr. Surjeet Singh Panwar, Vedanta Foundation’s Territory Chief, Mr. Sudhir Kumar and the Prison Incharge, Mr. Manoj Kumar Arya, among others.
The Computer Training Center at Haldwani Jail is the third one commenced in Uttarakhand by Vedanta Foundation.
The Computer Training Center in Haldwani has upped the number of jails Vedanta Foundation is serving to 40. More than 20,000 jail inmates have been trained through the program so far. These have benefitted hordes of prisoners, 100 of whom have been placed through the job drives conducted in the prisons, under the prison program, Umeed.
Vedanta’s Sustainable Development Work
Through 167 formal partnerships with NGOs, government bodies, academic institutions and hospitals, Vedanta through its foundation has reached out to 2.7 million people in 550 villages. The group has invested more than INR 180 Crores in various programmes through 2010-11. 10 lakh students have benefited through its computer education programme. More than 22 lakh people are being provided healthcare through hospitals and rural health posts. 2.5 lakh children are provided healthy mid-day meals in schools in partnership with NGOs and Government. Self Help Groups are empowering women through socio-economic independence. More than 35,000 women are currently enrolled in about 2000 SHGs.
