Jharkhand women inmates learn skills to become self-reliant.

Ranchi, July 19 (ANI): Officials of the Gumla District Jail in Jharkhand are imparting various handicraft skills to women inmates in a bid to make them self-reliant.

Under a programme to empower the women, the Jail authorities have initiated this training with assured hopes that the skills learnt would prove beneficial for these women once they are released after completing their terms behind the bars.

"The programmes that have been introduced in the prison for women prisoners are a good beginning for them. They will reap benefits in two ways. First, they will become self-independent once they step out from the prison. They can earn their own livelihood. Second, these activities will prove productive for the inmates, as they will learn something new during their free time here," says Niyam Toppo, jail superintendent.

On their part, the women inmates are happy as they are learning to weave shawls, bed sheets and also other productive handicrafts and allied trades.

"I have learnt lot from here. I have learned to make shawls, tablecloth, handkerchiefs and beaded strings," avers Santoshi, an inmate.

Proceeds from the sale of these products in the market are used for the welfare of the prisoners.

Plans are afoot to introduce many cottage industry-based vocations like making candles, pickles, incense sticks etc. (ANI)