Bhubaneswar: In a first of its kind initiative, Sambalpur district police today launched 'Nua-Diga' (New Direction) campaign to encourage criminals to return to the mainstream by providing them skills training.
Under the programme, persons (above 18) with criminal record who want to change will be provided training with assistance from Odisha Skill Development Authority.
"In the first batch, nearly 50 candidates have been selected for various types of skill trainings and will be provided employment in their respective fields under the Odisha Skill Development Mission," said Sambalpur SP, Sanjeev Arora.
Arora further informed that the initiative has been launched to prevent persons arrested for petty crimes from indulging in criminal activities further.
The initiative will be implemented across the district, Arora added.