Ray of hope: Tihar Jail helps reform inmates by starting recruitment drive

After the success of its placement drives conducted over the past three years, Tihar jail authorities are now planning to come up with a regular placement cell to help eligible inmates get jobs after being released.

The campus recruitment drive at Tihar is considered the brainchild of former Jail Superintendent M K Dwivedi. It was introduced in February 2010 as part of rehabilitation programme for prisoners after their release.

In 2012, Tihar Jail set a record when 142 inmates were selected by various companies with three of them being offered a package of Rs 3.60 lakh per annum each.

About Tihar jail

Tihar jail, is the largest complex of prisons in India. Run by Department of Delhi Prisons, Government of Delhi, the prison contains nine central prisons, and is one of the two prison complexes in Delhi, along with a district prison at Rohini Prison Complex. It is located in Tihar village, approximately 7 km from Chanakya Puri, to the west of New Delhi, India. The surrounding area is called Hari Nagar.

Originally, Tihar was a maximum security prison run by the State of Punjab. In 1966 control was transferred to the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Beginning in 1984, additional facilities were constructed, and the complex became Tihar Prison.

Under the charge of Kiran Bedi, when she was Inspector General of Prisons, she instituted a number of prison reforms at Tihar, including changing its name to Tihar Ashram. She also instituted a Vipassana meditation program for both staff and inmates; initial classes were taught by S. N. Goenka. The Prison has also produced an inmate who has passed the Indian Administrative Service civil service examinations

Indian convict, Akram, (R), who is due to be released in the next six months, is interviewed during a job placement drive inside Tihar prison in New Delhi on May 6, 2014. Thirty one companies interviewed 66 inmates of Tihar Jail in the fourth campus placement drive conducted by jail authorities. Image credit: Prakash Singh

Indian convicts, who are due to be released in the next six months, wait to be interviewed during a job placement drive inside Tihar prison in New Delhi on May 6, 2014. Thirty one companies interviewed 66 inmates of Tihar Jail in the fourth campus placement drive conducted by jail authorities.

Indian convict, Babloo, who is due to be released in the next six months, prepares for his interview during a job placement drive inside Tihar prison in New Delhi on May 6, 2014. Thirty one companies interviewed 66 inmates of Tihar Jail in the fourth campus placement drive conducted by jail authorities.