The Prison Department of India's Tamil Nadu state has employed inmates at a newly established fuelling station that will be exclusively run by female prisoners.
Such an initiative was taken in order to empower and facilitate the integration of women convicts into society following their release. The move is getting a lot of support and praise from the public, as they head to the station to refuel their vehicles.
A total of 26 female inmates from the Puzhal Jail have been selected on the basis of their good conduct to run the fuel station.
The Prison Department has announced that female inmates working at the fuelling station will receive a monthly salary of INR 6,000 ($72.17), which will be increased in the future.
The Superintendent of Police of Puzhal prison, Nikila Nagendra, told Indian media that the endeavour will provide a remarkable opportunity for women inmates to enhance their self-esteem and self-confidence, as well as obtain the means to support both themselves and their families.
These women convicts have been given years-long sentences due to various crimes, including murder.
Many social media users have expressed their belief that this government action will provide women convicts with an opportunity to overcome the societal stigma of being a prisoner.
Others feel that it will help women to smoothly reintegrate into the community after their release.
"Empowering Women, Redefining Lives: Tamil Nadu's pioneering initiative of employing women convicts at a petrol pump is breaking barriers and fostering reintegration. The 'Freedom Filling Station' not only fuels vehicles but also ignites hope, self-confidence, and a chance for a fresh start. Kudos to the Tamil Nadu Prison Department for promoting rehabilitation and second chances", one user wrote.
"It's a beacon of hope and reform", another commented.