Rajkot Central Jail industries post ₹2.70 crore turnover, prisoners gain new skills

Rajkot Central Jail’s industries recorded a combined turnover of ₹2.69 crore in the financial year 2024–25, with diamond polishing emerging as a key contributor. Sixty-eight prisoners polish around 600 diamonds every day, earning the highest wages compared to other jail industries. While neither the prisoners nor the administration know the exact market value of these diamonds, the prison trade is estimated to generate several lakhs annually.

“The diamond industry was first introduced in Surat Jail, then in Bhavnagar Jail. Rajkot Central Jail is the third where this trade is ongoing. Prisoners trained in diamond polishing can find employment even after being released,” said Sudhir Gophlani, Senior Clerk.

The initiative was started a few years ago with the help of donors who provided initial training. Prisoners have since become skilled “ratnakalakars” (gem artisans). The jail has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a company that supplies rough diamonds for polishing. Every morning, a company representative delivers the stones to the jail, supervises the polishing process, and collects the finished diamonds in the evening.

A diverse range of prison industries

Beyond diamond polishing, Rajkot Central Jail operates about half a dozen other industries with turnovers comparable to medium-scale companies. Twenty-five inmates work in the weaving section, producing rugs (daris), colorful carpets, cotton cloth, and “super dungri” fabric used for official record bags in government offices. Most of these products are sold directly to government departments.

Eighteen prisoners work in carpentry, focusing on small furniture production. For larger items, the jail collaborates with a factory due to difficulties in procuring wood. “Instead of making large furniture ourselves, we procure it through the partnered company and sell it to government offices,” a jail official said.

Tailoring employs eleven inmates, who stitch police uniforms as well as traditional garments such as chaniya choli. The bakery section, with fifteen prisoners, produces farsan (savory snacks), and sweet treats like addadiya, khajur pak, and churma laddus. One prisoner works in ironing.

Steady growth in turnover and wages

State prisons operate with fixed annual targets for these industries. “Prisoners at Rajkot Central Jail consistently achieve the annual targets set for them. Over the years, these targets have been steadily increasing. At one time, the turnover of jail industries was around ₹50 lakh; today, it has surpassed ₹2.5 crore. For the past three years, targets have been achieved successfully,” said C.M. Parmar, In-charge Factory Manager.

Among the different sections, the bakery recorded the highest turnover in 2024–25 at ₹1.35 crore. Overall, prisoners engaged in these industries earned ₹46.63 lakh as wages during the year.

Skills for post-release employment

Prison authorities emphasise that these industries provide inmates with valuable skills that can support employment after release. Diamond polishing, weaving, carpentry, tailoring, and bakery training give prisoners practical experience, boosting their prospects in the outside world.

Through a combination of structured training, MoUs with companies, and targeted production, Rajkot Central Jail has built a self-sustaining industrial ecosystem. The model demonstrates how state prisons can provide vocational opportunities, generate revenue, and equip inmates with skills for reintegration into society.