Kerala: Ex-prisoners to get skill training & placement

KOCHI: Balan, an ex-convict, had no work after his jail term ended. His respiratory ailments added to his woes and made it difficult to take up job even as a daily wage labourer in Malappuram district after his release from prison. But, last year with a government grant of Rs 15,000, he was able to start a barber shop at a rented place. From being called ‘Kaidi Balan’, now people in his village fondly call him ‘Barber Balan’.
With the Kerala government approving a proposal by the social justice department (SJD) to provide skill training and placement with self-employment support for jail inmates who come out on probation and those who have completed their sentence, life is set to change for many like Balan.Balan got just financial aid, but soon many other ex-convicts will get double the grant money (Rs 30,000) and also skill training and even placement.
“Skill training and placement for prisoners after completing their jail term is part of a set of four proposals that the SJD placed before the state government. Other proposals include: Early release of prisoners — those who need to complete one more year in jail can be released earlier in about six months with the permission of court and jail authorities. Another proposal is that the convict’s family, children or dependants are offered the required support, training and placement,” SJD special secretary Biju Prabhakar said. Third proposal is to provide support for victim’s family by understanding their needs. Three proposals have already been approved by the state government and once the government order is issued they will be implemented.
“Since last year, Rs 15,000 is offered as self-employment grant for prisoners who come out after completing their jail term. Now, SJD has submitted a proposal, to increase the grant to Rs 30,000, which is under consideration. The proposal to offer skill training and placement to ex-convicts, probationers and dependants has been approved by the state government and an order is awaited soon,” KK Subair, special officer probations, SJD, said.