Vocational programmes provide meaningful opportunities to inmates for learning, employment, and personal development. At Sri Chitra Home, these programmes serve as tools for rehabilitation, enabling women to gain financial independence and practical skills. The initiatives cover education, technical training, cultural performances, marriage rehabilitation, and employment ventures. Each activity is professionally managed and designed to meet real-world needs.
Educational and Vocational Training
Inmates are offered both academic and technical education. The training includes practical skills which help them prepare for a better future. These courses not only give knowledge but also bring discipline and confidence.
- Academic Education: Up to college level for interested inmates.
- Technical Education: Includes computer literacy, communication tools, and mechanical work.
- Vocational Skills:
- Bookbinding
- Printing
- Garment Making
- Tailoring
- STD/ISD Booth Operation
- Photocopying
- Farming
- Oil Painting
Cultural and Physical Education is also provided to ensure all-around development.
Cultural Programmes: Band Troupe & Thalappoli
These activities offer inmates a source of income and a platform to showcase their talents.
Band Troupe
- Uniformed Performance: Ladies wear a striking uniform during their march past.
- Professional Training: Delivered by experts in music and marching.
- Recognition: Troupe has won many awards and citations.
- Team Size: 30 members.
- Performance Duration: 1 hour.
- Programme Fee: ₹3,000 + vehicle charges.
- Income Distribution: 20% of the programme income goes to the performing inmates.
Thalappoli
- Traditional Welcome Ceremony: Ladies in kasavu mundu greet guests with lamps and flowers.
- Occasions: Used for VIP welcomes, marriages, and inaugural functions.
- Team Size: 20 members.
- Programme Fee: ₹2,000 + vehicle charges.
- Income Distribution: Inmates receive 20% of the collected amount.
Marriage: A Path to Social Rehabilitation
Marriage is considered an important step towards reintegration into society. The Home arranges marriages with utmost care and attention.
Marriage Procedure:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Interview | Superintendent interviews groom to check background and intentions |
| Selection | Suitable inmate (above 21 years) is introduced |
| Application Form | Groom fills a prescribed form |
| Background Verification | The District Probation Officer conducts a detailed enquiry |
| Committee Review | The Managing Committee takes a final decision |
| Marriage Ceremony | Conducted in the presence of dignitaries like Ministers and Social Leaders |
Additional Marriage Details:
- No Caste Barrier: Marriages are arranged across caste lines.
- Sponsor Support: All costs, including gold and dress, are covered by the Home with sponsor help.
- Bridegroom’s Responsibility: To bring the Thali and chain.
- Marriage Impact: Provides a stable and respectful life for former inmates.
Employment Ventures
These ventures not only provide jobs but also generate funds for the running of the Home. Products and services are offered to public institutions and private clients alike.
Sri Chitra Book Binding Unit
- Clients: Government offices, schools, and colleges.
- Quality: High-standard book binding work.
- Output: Customizable books made as per order.
- Employment: Provides jobs to multiple inmates.
Sri Chitra Printing Press
- Services: All types of printing jobs at competitive rates.
- Supervision: Work is done under expert quality control.
- Inmate Involvement: The Majority of workers are inmates, gaining income and experience.
Sri Chitra Garment Making Unit
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Products | Churidars, Kids Wear, Embroidered Items |
| Design Team | Skilled embroidery artists and fabric painters |
| Custom Orders | Dresses are designed to client’s taste and current trends |
| Empowerment | Encourages creativity and fashion sense among inmates |
Sri Chitra Tailoring Unit
- Focus: Tailoring and stitching high-quality garments.
- Items Produced: Churidars and dresses for kids.
- Talent Utilisation: Makes use of inmates skilled in embroidery and painting.
- Client Satisfaction: High-quality output meeting customer fashion preferences.
Benefits of the Vocational Programme
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| Skill Development | Inmates gain hands-on experience in multiple trades |
| Financial Independence | Income helps meet personal expenses and builds savings |
| Confidence Building | Public performances and training bring out confidence |
| Rehabilitation | Marriage and job opportunities offer a second chance at a dignified life |
| Social Acceptance | Talents and skills help inmates gain respect and recognition |
The Way Forward
The vocational programme at Sri Chitra Home offers far more than training—it creates transformation. Inmates are given the chance to live with dignity, learn valuable skills, and build a hopeful future. Whether through cultural performances, marriage, or employment ventures, these efforts reflect a genuine model of rehabilitation and empowerment.
Clearing Up Confusion
Q1: Can the public place orders for services like printing or tailoring?
Yes, the public can approach the Sri Chitra units to place custom orders for printing, tailoring, or garment designing at reasonable rates.
Q2: Are all inmates allowed to participate in these vocational programmes?
Participation is open to all eligible inmates based on their interest and skills. Professional training is provided to help them grow in the selected area.
