50 Puzhal inmates to train as truck drivers

The first batch of 50 inmates will undergo training from September 20 after its formal inauguration. This is probably the first time that the prison department is tying up with a private firm.

“The cost of training will be Rs 30,000 to 40,000 a person, which the firm has come forward to provide for free. So, preference will be given to those who await release at the end of their term. For now, only Puzhal prisoners are eligible for the course and the plan is to train at least 300 inmates a year. There is a dearth of drivers for heavy vehicles, so the inmates will have a job ready when they step out,” said A Murugesan, prison superintendent, Puzhal Prison 2.

Nearly 150 inmates of Puzhal prison ran a marathon of 12 km within the prison premises on Sunday, while similar running events were held across all nine prisons in the state. The training for the event began two weeks ago. Sylendra Babu, ADGP (Prisons), participated in the marathon and ran along with the inmates, warders and other prison officials.

“The initiative was to relieve prisoners of stress and depression and make them physically active. The inmates, youngsters in particular, ran around an inner ring path inside Prison 1. This will be made a weekly activity,” said another official.