Chandigarh, December 4 – The Punjab and Haryana High Court, in collaboration with the Haryana Government, will launch skill development centres, polytechnic diploma courses, and ITI-level vocational training programs across various prisons in the state. The initiative will be inaugurated by the Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, on December 6, 2025, at the District Jail, Gurugram.
On this occasion, Supreme Court Judges Justice Rajesh Bindal and Justice Augustine George Masih, along with the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Sheel Nagu, and all judges of the High Court will also be present.
A government spokesperson informed that continuous efforts of the committee on “Rehabilitation and Skill Development of Undertrials/Prison Inmates,” chaired by Justice Kuldeep Tiwari, have played a crucial role in shaping this initiative. Their collective vision underscores the belief that prisons should evolve into institutions of reform, capacity building, and human dignity.
The launch of polytechnic and skill development programmes in Haryana’s jails marks a transformative shift in the state’s approach towards correctional justice. Under this initiative, inmates will gain access to a wide range of vocational and technical educational options. These include ITI courses such as Computer Operator and Programming Assistant, Welder, Plumber, Grease Maker, Electrician, Woodwork Technician, Sewing Technology, and Cosmetology, along with a three-year polytechnic diploma in Computer Engineering. The initiative aims to equip inmates with employment-oriented skills that align with current industry demands. These programmes are designed not only to impart technical knowledge but also to instill confidence, discipline, and a sense of purpose among inmates.
The broader objective of this programme is to ensure that after their release, inmates do not face social rejection or economic uncertainty. Instead, they are provided with the necessary skills and qualifications to secure meaningful employment. It embodies the principle that every individual—regardless of their past actions—possesses the potential for reform, growth, and reintegration. Through these educational and vocational interventions, the programme aims to reduce recidivism, promote financial independence, and empower inmates to lead a dignified life.
The spokesperson further informed that alongside this reformative initiative, the Haryana State Legal Services Authority (HALSA) has conceptualized a comprehensive anti-drug awareness campaign, which will also be launched during the same event. This initiative is being shaped under the guidance and vision of Justice Lisa Gill, Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and Executive Chairperson of HALSA. This ambitious, month-long, state-wide anti-drug awareness campaign aims to combat the alarming rise in drug abuse cases affecting the youth and their families across the state. The campaign will strive to bring sustainable behavioral change among affected individuals and their families through targeted community engagement. Its primary objective is to educate students, parents, teachers, and community members about the health risks, psychological impacts, and long-term consequences of drug addiction. The campaign will also raise public awareness on the legal provisions under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the serious consequences of drug trafficking and consumption, and the rehabilitation support systems available for individuals struggling with addiction. Through coordinated efforts across districts, the initiative will strengthen early identification mechanisms, promote counseling and de-addiction services, and encourage community-level vigilance against the spread of drugs.
To ensure the broadest outreach of this campaign, various stakeholders have been involved, including District Legal Services Authorities, Police Department, Health and Education Departments, Social Welfare and Women & Child Development Departments, Panchayati Raj institutions, NGOs, youth organizations, school and college administrations, rehabilitation centres, and community leaders. A week-wise action plan has been prepared at the state and district levels, which includes awareness rallies, street plays, legal literacy workshops, interactive school sessions, counseling camps, social media outreach, capacity-building training, and activities aimed at supporting vulnerable communities.
He further stated that under the guidance of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Haryana Government, these programmes reaffirm the belief that meaningful change is possible when systems prioritize education, rehabilitation, support, and empowerment. The simultaneous launch of skill development programs for inmates and a state-wide anti-drug campaign represents a comprehensive approach to building a safer, more aware, and compassionate society. These interventions strengthen human dignity behind bars, protect communities from drug abuse, and pave the way for a more inclusive and healthy society.
