About Himkaara

Who We Are

Himkaara Unnayan Samiti is a society registered under the Himachal Pradesh Societies Registration Act, 2006, on 1st July 2017, and is governed by the Department of Prisons & Correctional Services, Himachal Pradesh. It is the outcome of a larger vision within the state's prison system — one that has evolved from retribution and deterrence toward correction, rehabilitation, and reform.

At the heart of Himkaara is a project called "Har Hath ko Kaam" ("Work for Every Hand"), under which prisoners are paid fair wages — at rates fixed by the Government under the Minimum Wages Act — for the work they do in prison industries across Himachal Pradesh

What We Make

Inmates skilled in various trades work across a wide range of prison-run enterprises, including:

Handlooms · Bakery · Readymade Garments · Carpentry · Blacksmithing · Dairying · Vermicomposting · Laundry · Organic Gardening · Spice Making · Sanitary Napkin Unit · Car Washing · Beauty Salon etc.

Our products are sold under the trademarked HIMKAARA brand. Our handloom products proudly carry the India Handloom Mark, awarded by the Ministry of Textiles after inspection and approval of our production process. Over the years, Kaara Bakery, Kaara Spices, and Kaara Line (our clothing range) have become recognized household names across Himachal Pradesh.

Where to Find Us

Himkaara Stores operate at key locations across the state, including:

A.G.Office (Gorton Castle), the Mall Road, Shimla HP, HP Secretariat, Shimla · HP High Court, Shimla · District Court Complex, Shimla · Vigilance HQ, Shimla · Police HQ, Shimla · Model Central Jail, Kanda · Model Central Jail, Nahan · District Jail, Dharamshala · District Jail, Kaithu · District Jail, Solan · District Jail, Mandi · Open Air Jail, Bilaspur

The Impact

The benefits of Himkaara reach far beyond the prison walls:

• For inmates — meaningful, paid work replaces idle time with purpose, improving physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, and easing stress and depression during incarceration.

• For families — wages earned support children's education and household needs back home, even while a family member is incarcerated.

• For society — greater interaction with inmates through their work and products fosters better public understanding and acceptance, easing reintegration after release.

Our Purpose

Himkaara exists to support the welfare of inmates lodged in the correctional homes and prisons of Himachal Pradesh — turning incarceration into an opportunity for skill-building, dignity, and a genuine second chance. Every purchase you make helps carry that mission forward.