Shillong, March 28, 2026: The Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS), in collaboration with the district administration and the Department of Prisons & Correctional Services, has launched Phase II of the Skill Development Training Programme for inmates at the District Prison & Correctional Home, Shillong. The programme is designed to transform correctional homes into centres of rehabilitation, focusing on skill-building, renewal, and reintegration of inmates into society.
Following the success of Phase I—which included training in farming, candle-making, and bamboo craft—the second phase expands its scope with more training opportunities and partnerships. Officials informed that around 40 inmates have already opened bank accounts and are earning through skill-based production, enabling them to save and prepare for life after release.
Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, Rosetta Mary Kurbah, encouraged inmates to view the programme as a turning point, while MSSDS Executive Director Jagdish Chelani highlighted the importance of rebuilding lives through skill development.
Phase II includes collaboration with training partners such as Bethany Society, Croasis Information Systems, and Deiphi Fashion Academy, among others, to enhance the scope of skill development. The initiative aims not only at skill acquisition but also at addressing psychological and social challenges faced by inmates, helping them rediscover purpose and reduce negative influences.
The programme reflects the Meghalaya government’s continued commitment to correctional reform, focusing on empowering inmates to become productive members of society after release.
