Superintendent of Thane jail Harshad Bhikanrao Ahirrao to get President's medal

THANE: Harshad Bhikanrao Ahirrao (50), the superintendent of Thane Central Jail has been designated to receive the President of India's Correctional Service Medal for Meritorious for his exemplary initiatives in bringing about a change in the lives of the inmates, an official from the Thane district informed on the eve of Independence Day. Ahirrao has started initiatives like ensuring proper meals, timely medical aid for inmates in addition to encouraging and providing basic education to the illiterate and even identifying those with special skills and encouraging them to pursue it.
The Nashik native said he always wanted to bring about the change in the mindset of inmates, most of who often nurtured ill-will towards the society. "My focus was to ensure that once they are released, they don't turn towards crime. The best way to win them over was to ensure their good health and that they got proper hot food. We procured automatic machines through government funds and also conducted regular free advanced health checks for the inmates," he said.
"We have also roped in educated under trials to educate nearly 3000 illiterate inmates till date and have also started loan schemes for those with special skills. We have also helped earn the trust of these inmates by taking care of their families. We also coordinate for getting free legal aid to underprivileged inmates," he said."I was nominated several times but never got it and finally this time my name was announced," said Ahhirrao.