Chennai: Gomathi and Shivakumar no longer need to depend on other people for their livelihoods.
The couple was among the 10 former prisoners who had been given a power sewing machine worth Rs 5 Lakh through detention detainees on Sunday.
So far, assistance worth 38.40 lakh Hospital has been distributed to 87 former inmates this year.
Gomathi and Shivakumar learned to sew in prison where Gomathi benefited her husband in sewing women’s clothing.
His work was displayed at the prison bazaar.
They have submitted a petition for the sewing machine and given one.
The machine was handed over by Sunil Kumar Singh, Director, Prison and Correction Service, before S GNANESWARAN, Treasurer of the Discarded Prisoners’ Assistance Communities.
“This will help in rehabilitation of former prisoners who learn to adjust skills in sewing workshops in prison during their detention.
They can make a living without anyone dependent,” said Sunil Kumar Singh, a DGP officer.
Welfare assistance in the form of autorickshaw, cattle, small shops, carpentry tools, welding machines have been given to former prisoners who submitted a petition in the department.
A senior officer said the petition would be processed by the trial officer concerned after a field visit to check whether the request was original.
After the officer sends a report, assistance will be approved.
A total of 42 former prisoners requested automatic rickshaws, but only three were found to be eligible because they had to pay EMI.
“Many of them ask for an autorickshaw or sewing machine, because it’s easy for them to pursue without bother,” the officer said.
Glad to receive assistance, Saravanan, a former prisoner, said that he was initially a little hesitant to approach the company looking for work.
“This assistance will greatly help us in leading a decent life,” he said.