Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group, as part of its CSR activity, has set up a new facility inside Aurangabad Central Prison, Maharashtra to manufacture automotive lock components within the jail premises of jail.

The activity, initiated in collaboration with Aurangabad Central Prison Authority, Maharashtra, aims to impart skills and provide employment to women jail inmates of Aurangabad. The product (Lock Body Assembly Unit) will be used in the final product to be made at Spark Minda’s Pune plant and supplied to its major customer Bajaj Auto.

An MOU has been signed between Aurangabad Central Prison and Minda Corporation Ltd (Security Systems Division). Minda Corporation is the flagship company of Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group.

Minda Corporation has been allocated 500 square feet within the jail premises for all activities related to manufacturing, production, testing, inspection, storage of finished goods and dispatch. The company has provided the machinery, raw material and other quality systems and procedures, and the facility will be run by jail convicts under the supervision of Minda Corporation, Security and System Division.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Security and Automotive Lock Division, Aurangabad Central Prison, DIG Prisons Central Region, Aurangabad Maharashtra, Rajendran Dhamle said, “It is an important day for Aurangabad Central Prison as this is the second jail in Maharashtra after Yerwada Jail in Pune which is associated with Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group for uplifting and skilling of jail inmates. Reformation and rehabilitation of prisoners has always been our core focus area and we undertake various activities to develop skill sets of the inmates in different directions. This security and automotive lock division unit set up by Minda Corporation will go a long way in providing the perfect platform to enhance the skill sets of the inmates and enable them to earn their livelihood.”

Sarika Minda, chairperson, Spark Minda Foundation, said “For bringing an inclusive and effective change in the society, it is imperative that every section and strata of the society has been taken care of. We, at Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group have consciously decided to bring a positive change in the lives of jail inmates and the initiative in Aurangabad is our fourth such effort, after Dresden Jail, Germany in 2005, Tihar Jail in 2014, New Delhi and Yerwada Jail, Pune in 2015. We hope that through our efforts, we are able to help the jail inmates change their outlook towards life and give them a chance to live a respectable life”.

At the new facility in Aurangabad, Spark Minda will be conducting the induction training program for the jail inmates who will be working in the facility. Further, they will get on-job training and will work under the supervision of company representatives to understand the nuances of production and manufacturing. Following this, inmates will be also given a special training certificate which will help them get employed once their jail term ends.