Prisoner-run fuel outlet opened in Coimbatore

Convict prisoners in Coimbatore Central Prison refuelling a vehicle at the new Indian Oil Corporation outlet on Dr. Nanjappa Road in the city on Friday.

An Indian Oil Corporation refuelling outlet manned by convict prisoners began operations here on Dr. Nanjappa Road.

Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami inaugurated the IOC fuel outlet through video conferencing from Chennai. Deputy Inspector General of Prisons, Coimbatore Range, R. Arivudainambi, Superintendent, Coimbatore Central Prison, R. Krishnaraj, General Manager, IOC, Chennai, R. Suresh and others were present at the inauguration.

Objective

A press release says that the initiative by the Home Department is in keeping with the objective of reforming prisoners and providing employment opportunity. The outlet will be open 24 hours a day and have a sales outlet that also sells products manufactured by the prisoners. There will be an ATM counter and facilities for free change of engine oil for vehicles. Mr. Krishnaraj says that around 35 prisoners who are under the ‘good conduct’ list will man the outlet in three shifts of eight hours each. For their work, the Prison will pay them wages as per the Labour Department guidelines.

Training given

Indian Oil Corporation has spent nearly ₹2 crore for the outlet and also provided training for the prisoners. The release also says that the Prison has plans to open another refuelling outlet on Bharathiar Road.