Andhra prisoners are in for a makeover
Representational image
Hyderabad: Andhra prisoners are in for a makeover with the jails department taking up several key initiatives like changing the 40-year old prison uniform and providing washing machines for cleaning clothes. Bidding good bye to thick yarn cotton dress, prisoners will now get polyester blended with cotton uniforms. Clothes designers have said that total polyester is not suitable for the humid and hot climate of AP.
Anand Kabra, designer said, “Clothes made with 100 per cent polyester is a complete no during summer and it does not allow the body to breath and even the body sweat does not dry up fast. However if polyester is blended with another fabric then it is advisable as it is easy to maintain and also lasts long. The polyester per cent should be less than 10 in the fibre.”
The state government has issued orders and a textile unit in Rajahmundry central prison will roll out the new dresses in a few weeks. AP prisons department Inspector General B. Sunil Kumar said, “In another 10 to 15 days the replacement of old textile machines will be done in Rajahmundry. The production will start in a month. According to the existing Rule Position of AP Prisons Rules, 1979, all prison clothing shall be of a uniform pattern. We are decreasing the thickness of the yarn and adding polyester cotton yarn so that it will be smooth.”
“This will be similar to a school uniform. The colour of the uniform will not change. It will remain white. After, all the uniforms for the convicts are stitched we will take orders from schools and generate revenue for the prisons. We have also plans to introduce the prison brand of shirts and trousers as in Kerala,” he added. Prisons officials also decided to give toothpaste and shampoo, once a week to the prisoners.
Mr Kumar said, “We have set up a toothpaste and shampoo making unit in Nellore and supplying it to all prisons in the state.” Instead of acid we are making a toilet cleaner and are going to use them. This prevents misuse of acid in the prisons.” The jails department is also giving washing machines so that convicts need not wash their clothes. "There are changes in diet. We have chapati makers so that we can make roti instantly. Banana, egg and morning breakfast have been introduced," said Mr Kumar.
He added that the jails department has been earning revenue and also the state has allotted a budget of Rs 152 crore. Telephone facility has been provided for all the prisoners and all the conversations will be recorded for security purposes. Interestingly in AP there are no special class prisoners. There are no high security prisoners in the jails except a few in Vishakapatnam and Rajahmundry.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
Next Story
