TrivandrumLife>> In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Jail Department has associated with Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) to start a fuel station at the Jail premises in Poojappura, where prison inmates will work as filling staff. The new initiative was inaugurated by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on July 30 through video conferencing.
In addition to Poojappura, Kerala government has allotted three more sites to IOC on lease in premises of prisons at Viyyur in Thrissur, Kannur and Cheemeni in Kasargode. A total of 65 prison inmates will work in the four fuel stations. The Jail department is deploying reformed prison inmates for the work, considering it as an effective and futuristic step in correction and rehabilitation of the prisoners. The idea is to equip inmates of prison for re-employment on their releases as well as to improve their self worth. The fuel station in Poojappura is aptly titled ‘Freedom Fuel Filling station’.
Though Indian Oil has launched similar projects in other states as part of rehabilitation of prisoners, ex-convicts were deployed there. However, inmates are deployed in Kerala, making it a unique feature.
Indian Oil has developed the entire infrastructure including sales building, canopy, pave driveway, lighting etc and other state-of-the-art facilities. As per the instruction of the chief minister, the retail outlets will have separate toilet facilities for ladies and gents.
Total investment for the four sites is around Rs 9.5 crore by IOC and Rs 30 lakhs by Prisons department. CNG facility too will be introduced at Poojappura soon.
It is estimated that gross income per year to the Prisons department will be around Rs 350 lakhs from the four sites through dealer commission and lease rentals.
Jisha Surya is a media professional with over a decade of experience in various media houses including The New Indian Express and Times of India. She covers city infrastructure, social issues, and lifestyle stories.
