The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Puzhal prisoners set to make their bread

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Tamil Nadu

Puzhal prisoners set to make their bread

Special Correspondent

Rotary Club-sponsored bakery project launched

Photo: S. Thanthoni

WELFARE MOVE: Director General of Prisons R.Natraj inspecting an oven provided by the Rotary Club of Chennai East R.A. Puram for the bakery project at Puzhal prisons on Thursday. —

CHENNAI: Inmates of the Puzhal Central Prisons here will make their bread and bun, courtesy Rotary Club of Chennai East R.A. Puram that sponsored a bakery project on Thursday,

Launching the project, Director-General of Prisons R. Natraj said the project would go a long way in engaging the prisoners in productive work.

At the eight central prisons in Puzhal, about Rs. 50 lakh was being spent every year for purchasing loafs.

The consumption had gone up with doctors recommending special diet for some prisoners.

Prisoners should make efforts not only to make bread/bun sufficient for local consumption but also for sale outside.

“If the loafs are made in the prison, we can save a lot of money that can be utilised for welfare activities. We are also growing vegetables and fruits in central prisons to cut down expenditure and divert funds for other schemes.”

Mr. Natraj said NGOs were providing support to prisoners to undergo vocational courses and pursue higher education. “Besides reforming them, the idea is to make them employable by imparting communication and technical skills. Many inmates are undergoing computer training programmes. We want them to earn for the family after release,” he said.

The Club’s District Governor (Elect) RI Dist. 3230, W. Anand, said 40 prisoners would be trained in the production of bread and bun.

“Depending on your performance, we will be ready to provide more equipment so that the bakery products could be put on sale outside,” he said.

Deputy Inspector General of Prisons R. Duraisamy and Superintendent S. Rajendran, among others, spoke.

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