November 24, 2023, New Delhi: Max Healthcare has launched the Max Skill Training Programme for Sustainable Livelihoods in partnership with India’s largest central prison, Tihar Jail. This is the first and largest ever corporate sector partnership with Tihar Jail for a skills training program in the country, that aims to further the correctional reform journey for 1200 inmates. It aims to strengthen the rehabilitation program at Tihar Jail that focuses on education, vocational training, and therapy to reduce recidivism rates and promote successful re-entry into society.
This is the first year of the Company’s CSR programme. The Max Skill Training programme is part of Max Healthcare’s CSR initiatives and is in line with the Government’s Skill India Mission. The job role for skill training has been identified as ‘Food and Beverage Steward’ in the Hospitality sector, after extensive deliberations with all stakeholders. The choice has been driven by job market opportunities, ease of training adaptation and fitment within the hospitality sector that makes for easier re-integration into society. The program participants will be jail inmates who are undertrials for minor crimes.
The duration of the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) Level 4 course training programme will be 340 hours. The National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) will be the certifying agency. The training will be conducted in line with The Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) guidelines. THSC-appointed assessors will assess the candidates. Upon successful completion and certification, placement workshops and mock interviews will be organized for the 1200 trainees. Industry representatives will have the opportunity to interact directly with the inmates, which is expected to foster huge trust amongst inmates about programme outcomes.
According to Abhay Soi, Chairman & Managing Director, Max Healthcare Institute Ltd., “We are delighted to be able to partner with Tihar Jail in the largest ever skill training program for jail inmates in India. We hope this will enable them to lead productive lives upon release and contribute to making society better, and safer. Max Healthcare through its CSR programme, is committed to making a positive difference to underserved communities in the area of education and skill training.”
Sanjay Baniwal, Director General, Delhi Prisons, shared,“We are happy to have Max Healthcare come onboard as our partners in one of the most unique and largest ever correctional reform programs anywhere in India. We began this program ‘Prarambh’ in February this year and am delighted to share that 94% of the inmates who were assessed for the program were certified. The high success rate vindicates the training quality and learning dedication of the participants. Initiatives like these have breathed new life into inmates’ hearts, who till now had felt hopelessness and despair. I am confident that Prarambh 2.0 in partnership with Max Healthcare that we have announced today, will inspire more inmates to join the programme, learn new skills and forge a new identity and future for themselves to re-integrate into society.”
The Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council will play a role in ensuring that the program aligns with the National Skills Qualification Framework guidelines. This certification and assessment process guarantees that participants receive qualifications of the highest standard. Trainees will be independently assessed as per guidelines by Tourism Hospitality Sector Skill Council-appointed assessors under the National Council for Vocational Education and Training guidelines.
The skill training initiative in Tihar Jail began in February 2023 and stands as the largest of its kind correctional reform initiative anywhere in India. It began as a joint collaboration of the Urban Development Ministry, Govt of India and Mission Convergence, Govt of National Capital Territory of Delhi.
