Touring States with their reform story

Giving a boost to correctional activities in prisons is an exhibition-cum-sale of products made by inmates of jails in Telangana that got under way on the Museum premises here on Saturday.

Part of the ‘Mahaparivarthana’ programme introduced by Vinay Kumar Singh, Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Telangana, the exhibition named ‘My Nation’ has travelled to six other States before reaching Kerala. The exhibition was inaugurated by Director General of Prisons (South Zone) and State Institute of Correctional Administration Director B. Pradeep. Telangana Prisons Department Deputy Superintendent Venkatesalu, Cherlapalli Central Prison jailor Shobhan Babu Roopani, Kerala Prisons Department joint superintendent T.R. Rajeev and other officials were present.

Products such as bedsheets (single), foot mat, yoga mat, durries and carpets, towels, crochet products, laptop and notebook bags, bottle bags, ‘lungi,’ embroidered and worked saris, shoe stands, stools, and paintings made by convicted prisoners are on display. The benefits from the sale will go to prisoners’ families.

The Mahaparivarthana programme was aimed at removing the misconceptions about prisoners and the jail administration, Mr. Roopani said. As part of this programme, the inmates were given education, counselling, and trained in various skills to earn a living when released.

They were also given loans for education and marriage of their children. The department, he said, had also tied up with agencies and firms to provide jobs to released prisoners. The central prisons in Telangana had launched steel and modular furniture, weaving, soap and detergent-making units.

Citing the example of the cafeteria at the Poojappura prison here, Mr. Roopani said they would like to start a similar venture back home. The exhibition will conclude on Sunday. An exhbition-cum-sale of products made by inmates under the Kerala Prisons and Correctional Services will be held at the same venue on October 17 and 18.