Nagaland: First Inmate-Operated Petrol Pump Launched in Dimapur for Prison Reform

DIMAPUR: A new initiative aimed at prison reform and inmate rehabilitation was launched at the District Jail in Dimapur on January 28, 2025. The M/S Ummeed Prison Welfare Service Station is a petrol pump operated by trained inmates under the supervision of prison staff.

This project is a collaboration between the Nagaland Prison Department and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), part of IOCL’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts.

The service station is designed to help inmates develop valuable skills and gain self-reliance, preparing them for life after prison. The revenue generated from the petrol pump will support various welfare programs, including vocational training and education for inmates.

The project’s aim is to offer inmates a meaningful way to contribute to society and build confidence for their reintegration.

This initiative is seen as a major step in prison reform, placing Nagaland at the forefront of such efforts in India. The project also aligns with the vision of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and has been supported by IOCL and other stakeholders. Plans for expansion include additional services like lubricants and exhibition spaces for products made by inmates.

The petrol pump, which started operating on December 23, 2024, has already sold over 17,900 liters of fuel and employs nine trained inmates.

This project reflects a shift in how prisons are viewed, focusing on rehabilitation and empowerment rather than just confinement.

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