RANCHI, Oct. 30 -- Former Maoist commander Kundan Pahan, along with 59 other prisoners, received skill development certificate in Hazaribagh Open Jail after 45-day vocational training in a programme on October 25, officials said. "The certificate distribution ceremony for surrendered Naxals took place on October 25. The event marked the successful conclusion of a comprehensive 45-day vocational training programme targeted at integrating former rebels back into mainstream society," an officer said. Inspector General (Prison) Sudarshan Prasad Mandal, who officially presented the skill development certificates, confirmed the fact on Thursday when contacted. "The core logic behind this specialized training is to ensure that when these inmates step out of the prison walls, they remain fully committed to self-employment and honest livelihood options. By empowering them with real-world skills, we prevent them from drifting back to their past paths and help them become self-reliant citizens," he said. A jail insider said Pahan, whose name once struck absolute terror across the Bundu and Tamar regions, has shown a significant transformation in his personal behavior since surrendering to law enforcement. "Alongside Pahan, other prominent surrendered figures including Mukesh Ganjhu, Maharaj Pramanik, Prishila Devi, Prem Shila Hembrom, and Kiran Tudu were also awarded their certifications," the jail insider said. A jail insider said 60 male and female surrendered inmates were imparted training in various self-employment trades such as embroidery, tailoring, and poultry farming. "The programme was organized under the state government's surrender and rehabilitation framework, executed by the Jan Shikshan Sansthan Hazaribagh under the Union ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship. The rehabilitation event drew to a close with a symbolic environmental initiative, featuring a plantation drive of Rudraksha and Amla saplings led by senior prison administration officials," the jail insider said. The Open Jail Cum Rehabilitation Centre (Hazaribagh Open Jail) officially opened on November 19, 2013, marking a progressive shift in the state's correctional system....