Feedback by Tihar inmates against a TV channel allegedly showing “superstitious and violent” content has proved fruitful. A month back channel removed.
The prisoners had requested the jail authorities to stop the telecast of the channel as they felt its shows promoted violence and superstition. The authorities readily accepted their request and removed the same from the bouquet of channels the inmates are offered.
The request was received through feedback forms that are given to the prisoners at the time of their exit from jail.
“We received a lot of exit forms requesting that we stop telecast of the channel inside the jail. According to the prisoners, the channel telecasts crime shows with supernatural elements and that leaves a wrong impression on the minds of people who are already under stress and looking for positivity,” said a jail official.
Around 22 channels, including news and other light entertainment channels, are available to the prisoners for viewing. A TV is kept in the prison recreation and the inmates are allowed to watch it for a few fixed hours during the day.
Besides this, the prisoners also gave other valuable feedback through the forms.
“One prisoner wrote about a constable who demanded money to supply cigarettes and tobacco inside the jail. The constable was suspended immediately after we received the form,” the jail official added.
The Tihar authorities had in April started giving feedback forms to prisoners at the time of their entry and exit. Upon entering they are asked about their skills and interests so that they can be enrolled in a course or a job inside the jail, and upon exiting they are asked about problems or to report corrupt activities going on inside.
The jail officials are happy with the response they are receiving as it has helped make things better.
