Prison-made handicrafts to be sold on Flipkart under Himachal Pradesh prisons MoU

Handicrafts, handmade clothing, furniture and other goods made by prisoners in Himachal Pradesh will be sold on Flipkart’s online platform. The move followed an MoU between the state prison department and the e-commerce firm, a release said on Wednesday. Officials said the plan aimed to widen access to buyers beyond local outlets and fairs.

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The agreement was signed by the Himkara Unnayan Samiti, which works under the Himachal Pradesh Department of Prisons and Correctional Services. The release said the MoU set out how prisoner-made products would be listed and managed online. The state said the arrangement linked jail-based production units with a wider retail network.

Himachal Pradesh prisoners and Flipkart MoU for online sales

Under the MoU, support will be provided for packaging, branding and logistics. The release said this would help items match market standards and stay competitive. Officials described the tie-up as a step towards rehabilitation, skill development and financial empowerment. The plan focused on giving prisoners steady work and a clearer link to earnings.

The income earned from online sales will be sent directly to the prisoners. Authorities said this could improve financial conditions and daily living while in custody. The prison department also said earnings could help after release. The release linked this support to smoother reintegration into society and reduced dependence on families.

Himachal Pradesh prisoners to get training for Flipkart marketplace needs

Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Himachal Pradesh, Abhishek Trivedi, said prisoners would receive training based on current demand. The release said the goal was to build new skills that matched market needs. Officials said this could improve chances of self-employment and other work opportunities once prisoners complete sentences.

Himachal Pradesh’s jails currently hold around 3,000 inmates, the release said. This includes about 1,000 convicted prisoners and 2,000 undertrials. The statement said the Department of Prisons and Correctional Services viewed the programme as a practical reform step. It also aimed to help prisoners become self-reliant and responsible members of society.

With inputs from PTI