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Hon’ble Chief Justice of India Inaugurates Skill Development & Polytechnic Courses Inside Haryana Jails- Historic reform under “Empowering Lives Behind Bars” initiative launched at District Jail, Gurugram

Haryana marked a historic step in correctional reform on06 December 2025, with the inauguration of Skill Development Centres, Polytechnic diploma courses and ITI-level vocational programmes for inmates inside various jails of the State under the project “Empowering Lives Behind Bars, Real Change: The New Paradigm of Correctional Justice.”As part of this reformative endeavour, Skill Development Centres, Polytechnic diploma programmes and ITI-level vocational training courses were formally introduced across the jails in the State of Haryana.

These initiatives, aimed at reshaping the correctional ecosystem through structured education and skill development, were inaugurated by Justice Surya Kant, Chief Justice of India, at District Prison,Bhondsi, Gurugram. During the same event, Hon’ble Chief Justice of India also launched a month-longStatewide Anti-Drug Awareness Campaignacross the States of Punjab, Haryana and U.T. Chandigarh, designed to counter the growing challenge of substance abuse in the State.

The ceremony was graced by several dignitaries whose leadership and vision have guided the conceptualisation and implementation of these initiatives. Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah,Justice Rajesh Bindal and Justice Augustine George Masih, Judges of the Supreme Court of India and Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice of the High Court of Punjab & Haryana along with Judges of the High Court and other dignitaries from the State Administration, attended the programme and acknowledged the significance of this milestone. Justice Lisa Gill, Judge, High Court of Punjab & Haryana and Executive Chairperson, HALSA, gracing the occasion, has played a pivotal role in guiding the anti-drug initiative.

Justice Surya Kant, the Chief Justice of India, shared his profound vision with the gathering, emphasizing a critical concern: when individuals step out of prison and return to society without adequate support, their reintegration becomes not only difficult but dangerously uncertain. Without guidance, many are pulled back into a cycle of marginalization and renewed conflict with the law. He reminded us that in the absence of education, skills, psychological support, and structured reintegration, a prisonor what he prefers to call a “correctional home”can unintentionally become a place where disadvantages deepen and custodial cycles repeat.Reformative justice today demands clear thinking, coordinated action, and systems designed for renewal rather than return.

In his concluding remarks, Justice Surya Kant offered several thoughtful proposals to strengthen our correctional justice framework. He underscored that reintegration must become a planned, systematic processnot merely a matter of hope. He suggested the establishment of district-level reintegration boards comprising probation officers, employers, civil society representatives, and mental health professionals, ensuring that each release is accompanied by a concrete and actionable path forward.

He said, the “Youth Against Drug” campaign launched by the Legal Services Authorities stands as a vital and commendable initiative.

Justice Surya Kant also stressed that training must align with the economy of the future, imparting digital competencies, logistics skills, and modern trades. Industry partnershipswhere companies adopt prisons, offer apprenticeships, and hire trained inmatescan transform ability into opportunity.

Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullahadded that acceptance of reformed individuals is equally important by society. We must cultivate a mindset that recognizes that when a person completes their sentence and walks out of prison, they deserve a genuine chance to be welcomed back into the community. Reintegration cannot be successful unless society is willing to see them not as former offenders, but as individuals striving to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.

He concluded by reminding us that data-driven reforms are essential. A modern incarceration system must track behavioral progress and post-release trajectories, ensuring that rehabilitation is measurable, accountable, and effective.

During his address, Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullahadded that acceptance of reformed individuals is equally important by society. We must cultivate a mindset that recognizes that when a person completes their sentence and walks out of prison, they deserve a genuine chance to be welcomed back into the community. Reintegration cannot be successful unless society is willing to see them not as former offenders, but as individuals striving to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.

Justice Augustine George Masih emphasized on the significance to envision the transformation of prisons from institutions of punishment into spaces of renewal and second chances for those who have erred. Our government agencies, in partnership with various institutions, are working tirelessly to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates by equipping them with essential skills and meaningful employment opportunities. True reform must be viewed through the lens of guiding individuals toward constructive, lawful paths. The most effective prison reforms humanize incarceration, prioritize rehabilitation and reintegration, leverage technology, and implement programs that create lasting impact

Justice Rajesh Bindal further added that to make this initiative truly effective, strong efforts are required from the government to create meaningful job opportunities for inmates. It is equally important to foster collaboration with public agencies so that these rehabilitative initiatives can achieve their full potential.

Justice Sheel Nagu shared that the inauguration of integrated skills development centres and ITI courses in the prisons of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh marks a decisive shift from custodial to reformatory ecosystem which extends opportunities for reorientation, learning and reintegration into society. Concept of reformation requires a bridge that transforms a trained inmate into an employable citizen. 

This reform redefines correctional facilities as centres of learning and transformation where inmates are encouraged to rebuild their lives with dignity and contribute positively to society upon their release. The initiative upholds the belief that every person, regardless of past circumstances, possesses the potential for reform, growth and meaningful reintegration. By fostering vocational proficiency and enhancing employability, the programme aspires to reduce recidivism, promote financial independence and help inmates rebuild productive identities rooted in skill and self-worth.

Apart from this, Haryana State Legal Services Authority launched its month-long Statewide Anti-Drug Awareness Campaign to address the rising incidence of drug abuse, impacting communities across the State. The campaign seeks to bring about sustained behavioural change through targeted outreach and community-led awareness. It aims to educate students, parents, teachers and communities about the dangers, psychological impacts and long-term effects of drug addiction. The initiative also highlights the legal framework under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, informing the public about the adverse legal consequences of drug trafficking and consumption, as well as the availability of rehabilitation and support mechanisms. Through coordinated district-level participation, the campaign promotes early detection, counselling and de-addiction services while strengthening community vigilance against the spread of narcotics.

To ensure wide and effective outreach, a diverse range of stakeholdersincluding District Legal Services Authorities, Police, Health and Education Departments, Social Welfare and Women & Child Development Departments, Panchayati Raj Institutions, NGOs, youth organisations, schools, colleges, rehabilitation centres and community leadershave been engaged. A structured week-wise action plan has been rolled out, featuring awareness rallies, nukkadnataks (street plays), legal literacy sessions, interactive engagements with students, counselling camps, social media campaigns, capacity-building workshops and interventions focused on vulnerable groups. The campaign not only warns communities about the dangers of drug dependency but also promotes stories of recovery, resilience and reintegration, fostering a message of hope.

Guided by the High Court of Punjab & Haryana and the Government of Haryana, the programmes reinforce the belief that sustainable change is possible when systems prioritise education, rehabilitation, empowerment and community engagement. The simultaneous inauguration of skill development programmes for inmates and the launch of a statewide anti-drug campaign reflects a forward-looking approach, aimed at creating a safer, more aware and compassionate society. These transformative steps signal a new beginning, one that enhances human dignity behind bars, strengthens societal safeguards against drug abuse and shapes a more inclusive and healthysociety.

We will make every effort to give concrete shape to all your ideas- Chief Secretary

Speaking on this occasion, Haryana Chief Secretary, Sh. Anurag Rastogi said that in today’s seminar, Chief Justice of India, Justice Sh. Suryakant and other judges presented various views and suggestions. We will make every effort to give concrete shape to all your ideas, he said.