40k inmates to get hospitality training

The Punjab government has announced that 40,000 prisoners from 40 jails in the province will receive free month-long training in hospitality, waiting and cooking for enabling them to secure employment upon release.

The Punjab Tourism Department has signed an agreement with the prison department to implement the project. According to Punjab Tourism Secretary Dr Ehsan Bhutta, the training will be provided through the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management.

Training centres will be established inside jails, where professional trainers from the private sector will conduct sessions.

Dr Bhutta explained that the programme is targeted at inmates whose sentences are nearing completion. He said the initiative would also strengthen collaboration between the tourism and home departments for improving security and services for foreign tourists.

Alongside vocational skills, the programme will focus on educating inmates about health, hygiene, and improved lifestyles.