Ashok Minda Group (“Group”) sets up Lockset Sub Assembly unit in Female Cell of Yerawada Jail, Pune

Pune, 13th August 2018: Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group has collaborated with Yerawada Central Prison, Pune for installing and setting up a manufacturing automotive lockset sub-assembly unit at female prison inside jail premises. Setting up of automotive lock parts in jail will facilitate female inmates to earn basic livelihood and learn skill sets required in manufacturing and finishing of automotive locks.

A special female cell of Yerawada Jail has identified around 25 ? 30 female jail inmates as per the criteria laid down by Minda Corporation Limited, a flagship company of Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group (NSE: MINDACORP, BSE: 538962). The female inmates will be trained to work on a shop floor for producing automotive locksets. The Group will also pay the compliance wages to the Jail Authorities, which will subsequently be paid to the inmates by the Jail Authorities. Other than the supply to the customer, these products will be also sold in after-market.

The memorandum of understanding was signed between Minda Corporation Limited ?MCL? and Yerawada Central Prison, Pune on 15th February 2018. The MoU key highlights includes installation of automotive manufacturing assembly for producing lock sets. Basic product awareness and basic training will be provided by MCL at Yerawada Jail. The Prison projects under public-private partnership is an extension of unremitting CSR activities which ?the Group? has installed at Aurangabad, Tihar and Yerawada Jail until now. Setting up of special manufacturing plant will not only provide finished goods for the Group but will also help female inmates to earn their livelihood within and outside the jail premises. As a part of CSR efforts of Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group, leaders and supervisors of MCL posted at the jail premises will also conduct basic motivational activities of recognizing best employee inmate, efficient line, best suggestions and appreciations for ?WOW? activity done during the job.

Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group investment at Yerawada Jail includes entire machinery, raw materials, transportation of goods and other quality systems and procedures as per the MoU. The shop-floor will be run and maintained by Jail inmates under the dedicated supervision of MCL.

Speaking about the initiative Mr. Ashok Minda, Group CEO, Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group says, ?We are constantly engaged in various social upliftment activities at different locations. Group?s basic practice of installing manufacturing facilities and engaging jail inmates is a unique way of helping jail inmates in betterment of their lives as well as inculcating in them basic business ethics for future prospects. YCP authorities have been very cooperative and encouraging in providing the necessary approvals for our social initiative aimed in improving the livelihood of jail inmates. We truly feel that women are indispensable part of entire ecosystem, empowering women means we are empowering the whole ecosystem and also coming generations linked to every woman. We are hopeful that our small means of giving back to society will bring some important changes in mindset of jail inmates.?

Speaking at the inauguration Mrs. Sarika Minda, Chairperson, Spark Minda Foundation says, ?Our association with Jail authorities have been long known and well established till date with Aurangabad Jail, Tihar Jail and Yerwada Jail. We have been working continuously to provide skilling and livelihood to numerous jail inmates now, employing jail inmates not only help them earn livelihood but also imparts them a sense of productivity with knowledge about the business sector. We would like to extend our special thanks to ?Yerawada Jail Authorities? who has always been full of humility as and when we approached them for such social welfare initiatives. Prison projects of our Group have been identified as the most innovative CSR model of the country recently by CSR Times and our Foundation was felicitated for this. We are quite thoughtful with the operational efficiency of Female Inmates as this will never restrict any female just to household activities?.

To ensure the discipline of Jail, the raw material entry and the dispatch of finished product is being kept under the control of Minda Corporation for smooth execution of work. To facilitate this entire process, few employees are to be fully deployed at the Jail; thus smoothing up the complete coordination and assuring Quality process. The Management team will also visit this unit on a frequent basis to ensure the system & policy deployment in accordance to the Company?s requirement.

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User :- Ishan Uppal

Email :-ishan.uppal@adfactorspr.com