Ahmedabad, Jan 28 (NationPress) The Ahmedabad Central Jail recently held a commendation event as part of the Gujarat government's 'Vikasdeep' initiative, celebrating the academic successes of the children of inmates who have excelled in competitive exams and secured governmental jobs.

This initiative aims to motivate the offspring of incarcerated individuals to continue their education and establish stable careers despite the adversities linked to their family circumstances.

The Director General of Police (DGP) of Gujarat, K.L.N. Rao, awarded cash prizes and certificates to two exceptional young men recognized during the ceremony.

One recipient is the son of Rajendrasinh Jadeja, an inmate at Ahmedabad Central Jail, who has been selected as an Unarmed Police Constable after successfully navigating the Gujarat Police Recruitment Board process for 2024.

The other awardee is the son of Surasang Solanki, a former inmate from Rajkot Central Jail, who passed the Gujarat Subordinate Service Selection Board examination and has been appointed as a Junior Clerk in the Gujarat Food and Civil Supplies Department in Surat.

Each of the recipients received a cash award of Rs 15,001, along with a memento and a certificate of appreciation as part of the 'Vikasdeep' scheme.

The event was conducted under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, with state DGP Rao presiding over the proceedings.

In his address to attendees, DGP Rao emphasized that prisons should not be perceived purely as punitive facilities.

"A jail should not merely be viewed as a punishment center but rather as a reform institution. The prison department is committed to ensuring the educational advancement of inmates' children, enabling them to excel in competitive examinations and secure a promising future," he stated.

Officials indicated that this initiative forms part of a wider effort by the state prison department to provide both moral and material support to inmates and their families, particularly to children pursuing their education.

Senior prison officials, including the Inspector General of Prisons and the Superintendent of Ahmedabad Jail, Gaurav Agrawal, along with Deputy Superintendent P.I. Solanki, were present at the event, joined by jail staff and inmates.

The prison department also shared insights into the incentives distributed over the past two years under similar welfare initiatives.

Under the 'Ek Nai Ummeed' scheme, 57 inmates across the state who completed Class 10, Class 12, or higher examinations were awarded cash incentives totaling Rs 74,057 on August 12, 2024.

Incentives were also provided to the children of convicted inmates, with 39 children of 38 prisoners receiving Rs 54,038 in November 2024, and 38 children of 34 prisoners receiving Rs 47,538 in June 2025.

Additionally, on January 22, cash incentives totaling Rs 11,500 were awarded to 10 children of convicted inmates, while another incentive of Rs 1,501 was granted to one inmate on the same day.