Delhi LG launches Tihar Jail’s inmate-run store at Indian Oil fuel station

New Delhi: In a landmark move blending corporate social responsibility with inmate rehabilitation, Indian Oil has unveiled Tihar Jail’s merchandise Store, TJ’s, at its Company Owned Company Operated (COCO) fuel station at Masjid Moth, New Delhi. Lt. Governor of Delhi Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurated the store in the presence of Indian Oil's Chairman SM Vaidya and DG Prisons (Tihar) Sanjay Beniwal.

The pioneering initiative offers a platform for Tihar Jail inmates to showcase their skills and craftsmanship, marking a significant stride in their journey towards societal reintegration. This collaboration between Tihar Jail and IndianOil is a beacon of hope for the inmates, leading them towards a brighter future and promoting a reformative justice system.

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The newly inaugurated TJ’s store is the first such outlet at an Indian Oil fuel station and will be run by the inmates who are at the cusp of being released and beginning a new life, thus boosting the concept of an open jail. It has an array of quality products crafted by the jail inmates, ranging from food and bakery items, aromatic soaps, toiletries, cleanliness and hygiene, exquisite furniture and décor, clothing, jewellery, among others. The products symbolise the hard work, and resilience of the inmates in their journey towards positive transformation and reintegration. On the occasion, Lt. Governor also presented sewing machines sponsored by IndianOil to five released women inmates for their rehabilitation.

Speaking on the occasion, Indian Oil Chairman, “IndianOil is committed to offering every individual a second chance at redemption and a path towards a better future. Our vision extends to opening more TJ's outlets, furthering our social commitment. These efforts go beyond business expansion; they embody our dedication to societal betterment and inmate rehabilitation. We are deeply invested in inmate reform, a commitment reflected through our ‘Parivartan - Prison to Pride’ initiative.”

In his address, DG Prisons (Tihar Jail) Sanjay Beniwal remarked, 'This initiative is a pivotal step in channelizing the constructive energy of our inmates, helping to dispel their despair and hopelessness. It's about offering them a beacon of hope and viable pathways for reintegration into society. When we reached out to IndianOil, their enthusiastic support was heartening. I thank them for the excellent support. This collaboration is a significant stride towards instilling hope and opening new horizons for the inmates.”

Indian Oil’s groundbreaking programmes 'Parivartan - Prison to Pride' and 'Nayi Disha - Smile for Juvenile' leverage sports as a medium for social reformation and rehabilitation of inmates in prisons and juvenile correctional facilities. These initiatives, involving coaching by IndianOil sports stars, provide inmates with a purpose and a constructive channel for their energies. So far, these twin programmes have impacted the lives of about 5,000 inmates across 105 prisons and correction centres in the country. In a remarkable testament to these efforts, teams from Yerawada Central Jail, Pune, and Children Observation Home, Bhopal won gold medals for India at FIDE’s 3rd Intercontinental ‘Chess for Freedom’ online championship in October 2023.

Indian Oil is also working together with several state prison departments and has established over 47 'Umeed Outlets' across the country. Managed primarily by inmates and ex-inmates, these outlets meet high quality and service standards and record significant customer satisfaction. Guided by 'Nation First' as its core value, IndianOil's unwavering commitment to corporate social responsibility is a testament to its dedication to fostering sustainable, positive change across the nation and beyond.

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