Dakshina Kannada district prison is now blooming as inmates are now developing a nursery inside the premise, and are also trained in various handicraft works. District Prison officials have introduced several welfare programs for inmates so that they can lead a normal life once they are released.
Jail superintendent B T Obaleshappa said that based on the directions from the department of prisons and correctional services, an attempt to introduce jail inmates to various skills has already begun in the prison. “We have set a target of growing nearly 15,000 saplings, and currently we are growing nearly 2,500 areca saplings, crotons,
and other plants. As many as 20 inmates aged between 25-45, have shown an interest, to be part of the nursery project. Based on the local requirements, we may consider growing other varieties,’’.
Meanwhile, a few inmates have also been trained to prepare artificial flower garlands. About 12 inmates, including five women, are part of this project, and 40 members are learning and producing various handicrafts, such as pen stands and decorative items.
Jail officials have said that they are noticing a change in the behavior of inmates, who have opted for the training program. Many are showing interest in learning new skills.
They are hoping to start a sales counter and also considering handing over a portion of the income earned as wages, once they get permission from the head office and deputy commissioner, said Obaleshappa. “Since the inmates are all undertrials, we are focusing on teaching them skills that they can learn quickly. Those training the inmates have shown interest in buying the products,” he said. K Narendra Shenoy provided training on handicrafts, and Jagannath and Shravan Shenoy trained inmates on developing a nursery.
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