BHEL to train convicts in welding in Tiruchi

Rehabilitation measures at Tiruchi Central Prison are poised for expansion with the jail authorities deciding to train a group of convicts in welding with assistance from the public sector giant Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). The Prison Department would soon forge a tie-up with BHEL, Tiruchi to implement the latest rehabilitation initiative for the benefit of the convicts serving lengthy terms. This would be the first time that the prison authorities would be teaming up with a major public sector undertaking to train a select band of prisoners in a vocational trade activity. The BHEL would be installing machines required for the training programme inside the sprawling Central Prison premises, accommodating 1,300 prisoners, to train the select group of inmates. For its part, the Prison Department has installed an additional power transformer in the jail complex exclusively for conducting the welding training. The State government has provided Rs. 5 lakh for this purpose. Technical personnel from the BHEL would bring along with them necessary paraphernalia required to impart the hands-on training to the convicts in different batches soon. A group of 60 convicts have been identified for the welding training programme which would be conducted for six months, prison authorities here said. Prior to commencing the programme, the Prison Department and the BHEL would sign a memorandum of understanding soon. The training is expected to commence next month. ref: http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/bhel-to-train-convicts-in-welding-in-tiruchi/article6551300.ece