Chandigarh, April 7 – Taking an important step towards strengthening a rehabilitation-based justice system, the Haryana State Legal Services Authority (HALSA) has started a one-month certificate course in culinary arts and food service operations for inmates of Sonipat District Jail. This initiative has been launched under the able leadership and visionary guidance of Justice Deepak Sibal, Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and Executive Chairman of HALSA, with the objective of integrating inmates into the mainstream of society. This information was shared by District and Sessions Judge and Member Secretary (HALSA, Panchkula), Sh. Jagdeep Singh, during a programme organized at Sonipat District Jail today.
Sh. Jagdeep Singh said the programme has been conducted in coordination with the Sonipat District Legal Services Authority and with the support of SRM University, Delhi-NCR, Sonipat. The initiative has been strengthened through the active participation of the University’s Faculty of Law (Legal Aid Center), Institute of Hotel Management, Department of Management and Commerce, and Department of Sciences and Humanities.
He said that during the one-month course, inmates will be provided practical training in culinary arts, kitchen management, food safety, menu planning, and customer service. In addition, modules related to financial literacy, small business development, communication skills, and personality development have also been included. Furthermore, special sessions will be conducted to make participants aware of their legal rights and available support mechanisms.
He stated that such initiatives play a significant role in boosting the confidence of inmates and in reducing the chances of reoffending. The combination of skill development and legal literacy provides a new direction to inmates and prepares them to lead a dignified life.
District and Sessions Judge and Chairman of District Legal Services Authority, Sonipat, Sh. Jagjit Singh, Secretary of District Legal Services Authority, Sonipat, Pracheta Singh, Registrar of SRM University, Prof. Dr. V. Samuel Raj, senior officials from various faculties, and officers of the jail administration were present during the programme.
