In a groundbreaking initiative, and marking a milestone in prison reform and inmate rehabilitation, a first-of-its-kind fuel station operated by trained inmates under the supervision of prison staff was inaugurated by Prisons and Printing & Stationery adviser Kropol Vitsu at the District Jail here on Tuesday.
Christened M/s Ummeed Prison Welfare Service Station, the fuel station is a collaboration between the Prison Department and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) under the latter’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.
In his address, Vitsu highlighted the project’s uniqueness, describing it as the first of its kind in Nagaland and possibly the entire North Eastern region. He lauded the efforts of the entire team involved in the project, emphasising that the initiative was more than just a business venture, and a vital step towards the social and economic empowerment of the inmates.
He mentioned that the project was designed to promote skill development, self-reliance, and confidence among the inmates, providing them with a meaningful way to contribute to society.
He disclosed that the revenue generated from the fuel station would go towards supporting prison welfare programmes such as vocational training and education, ultimately helping the inmates reintegrate as productive members of society upon their release.
Lauding the visionary leadership of chief minister Neiphiu Rio, Vitsu remarked that his support played a crucial role in the approval and successful implementation of the project. He said the initiative placed Nagaland at the forefront of prison reforms in India, alongside states like Madhya Pradesh and Telangana that had launched similar initiatives.
With regard to a similar project at Central Jail, he noted the challenges faced during the land acquisition process and called for public support for such developmental initiatives.
He called on the prison staff and all involved stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability of the service station, stressing cooperation and commitment to the project’s success.
He noted that the project aligns with the national vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047” (Developed India) and is expected to serve as a model for other states in the region, promoting rehabilitation-driven development in Nagaland.
Speaking on the occasion, Director General of Police (DGP) Rupin Sharma shared the project’s journey, explaining that it stemmed from his desire to create self-sustaining, reform-oriented programmes within the prison system. He emphasized that the primary purpose of the project is to serve as a rehabilitative and welfare measure for inmates.
He also disclosed that discussions were underway to replicate the success at the Central Jail, Dimapur, pointing out that the initiative marked a major shift in the prison system, focusing on rehabilitation and skill development for inmates.
Sharma noted that the initiative extends beyond revenue generation, serving as a catalyst for economic activity in the area. He also proposed the creation of a display emporium at the service station, where products crafted by prisoners could be showcased and sold. This, he said would not only contribute to the financial sustainability of the project but also help integrate prisoners’ rehabilitation efforts with their reintegration into society.
Calling it a “Red Letter Day” for the Prisons department, Director General of Prisons Renchamo P Kikon emphasized the transformational nature of the newly inaugurated MS Ummeed Prison Welfare Service Station.
Kikon highlighted how the project marks a significant shift in the perception of prisons, traditionally viewed as places of confinement. “Prisons have long been seen as institutions of incarceration, but increasingly, they are becoming Reformative Institutions aimed at rehabilitation,” he stated.
He underlined that the initiative represents a belief in the inherent potential for change in every individual. “This project is a testament to the belief that every individual has the potential for change and even those who have been incarcerated can aspire to rebuild their lives,” Kikon added.
KT Gangte, senior manager (retail sales), Dimapur RDA, and IOCL divisional retail sales head, Tinsukia division, applauded the collaboration, calling it a model of CSR-driven impact.
He elaborated, “This project goes beyond fuel dispensing—it represents meaningful partnerships and change. Indian Oil is proud to be associated with this venture and will continue to support such endeavours.”
In his brief report, IG Prisons, Imtiangshi Ao, reflected on the collaborative efforts that brought the project to fruition, launched in 2021 under the leadership of Rupin Sharma, then Director General of Prisons and now Director General of Police, aimed to establish a sustainable welfare program for prisoners.
He noted that with chief minister Neiphiu Rio’s support, the state government approved the project under a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative and the land leasing agreements finalized by July 2022.
He said that the core objective of the project was to provide employment opportunities for long-term convicted prisoners and released convicts, contributing to their welfare and rehabilitation.
Operational since December 23, 2024, the fuel station managed by nine trained inmates is equipped with eight nozzles and having a fuel capacity of 12,000 litre.
Since the commencement, the fuel station has garnered positive customer feedback, achieving sales of 12,900 liters of petrol and 5,000 liters of diesel in its first month, generating approximately Rs. 15 lakhs in revenue.
The programme was chaired by District Jail Dimapur Jailor Dozhoyi Cukhamu and vote of thanks by Prison (Hq) office superintendent Zasimenou Metha.