Indian Oil launches welfare programmes for prison inmates

New Delhi: Indian Oil Corporation said it has launched the fourth phase of its social outreach campaign "Parivartan - Prison To Pride", wherein it will facilitate training programmes for prison inmates in various sporting activities.

Launching the campaign in 17 prisons located in nine states as part of the country’s 74th Republic Day celebrations, Indian Oil chairman S.M. Vaidya said, "Parivartan is built on Indian Oil's core value of care. It builds on our other welfare and rehabilitation measures for prison inmates, such as fuel stations run by inmates."

Since its launch, IndianOil's Parivartan has covered 37 Prisons spanning 20 states and 5 Union Territories, coaching over 1,750 inmates in three phases.

He also announced the rollout of "Nai Disha - Smile for Juvenile", which would extend the benefits to over 2,500 young inmates at three Juvenile Correction Centres in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.

"This outreach is very close to my heart. I look forward to thoughts and suggestions from the prison authorities on strengthening this outreach. As the Energy of India, we are well aware of our social responsibilities and reaching out to the future generation is among our foremost social priorities."

He also elaborated on the company’s plans to enhance the ecosystem for the welfare of Indian prison inmates, with a special focus on women prisoners.

The launch event, held on a hybrid platform, witnessed the participation of prison authorities from across the country, including B.K. Dak, DG (Prisons), Rajasthan; Barnali Sharma (IG) prisons, Assam; Dhanasekara Pandian, Jt Director, Dept of Social Service; Rahul Kanithikar, Superintendent, Children's Observation Home, Umarkhadi; Urmila Minz, Superintendent, District Jail, Puri; Akhilesh Tomar, Senior Superintendent, Jabalpur Central Jail, and Dr P Vijayan, Central Prison and Correctional Home, Kannur.