Koraput: The Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (Ormas) has provided training to six inmates of Circle Jail here in weaving techniques to ensure that they could make a decent living once they get out.

Officials said they co-ordinated the training in association with Asian Heritage Foundation, New Delhi, during the 12-day programme that concluded on Wednesday.

"Our aim is to make them self-sufficient, so that they can find a livelihood after serving their sentences. In the first phase, we trained six inmates. Subsequently, we will train others interested in weaving," said Roshan Kartik, project co-ordinator, Ormas, Koraput.

He said the inmates were trained on the mirigan weaving technique, popular in the district's Kotpad area, and had high market demand and famous for its uniqueness. The mirigan weaving is completely hand woven. "The inmates were also taught how to adopt new designs and attractive looks into their weaving," said Roshan. The officials said the mirigan weavers did not use any synthetic or artificial dye, but the colours of their garments were bright and attractive than those made by any reputable garment company. They prepare the colours by mixing all kinds of things - castor oil, iron dust, ash, cow-dung and the root of a plant called aal. The weavers of the community also prepare hues such as black, maroon and coffee from these naturally available products.

"We had a master trainer from the mirigan community who trained the inmates in detail about the weaving techniques and how to prepare saris, towels, dresses and other items using a loom," he said. "If any of the trained inmates expresses interest to prepare clothes while in jail, then we will supply him with the raw materials and market his products," Roshan said.

The inmates are also upbeat after getting the training.

"I am happy after learning the skills. After getting out of jail, I am hopeful of eking out a living from it," said Yudhister Bardhan, an inmate.