Karnataka: Karwar Prison Inmates Create Market-Ready Handicrafts
Skilled resource persons conduct training in handicrafts and other trades besides holding workshops on government welfare schemes, loan facilities and entrepreneurship: Reports
KARWAR: Eco-friendly bags, household utility items, clay artefacts, vibrant paintings, are taking shape at the Karwar District Prison, where a skill development programme is helping a group of undertrial inmates learn handicrafts while in judicial custody.
From eco-friendly cloth bags and paper covers to clay artefacts and paintings, 25 undertrial inmates are producing a range of handicrafts that prison authorities say can match similar products sold in the market. The initiative, officials said, has also helped keep the inmates engaged while reducing stress, depression and anger, which is common among the inmates.
The programme, introduced as part of the Prison Department's rehabilitation initiative, encourages inmates to take up vocational activities instead of remaining engaged only in routine manual work.
District Prison Superintendent Hemavathi G. said the initiative is being implemented under the directions of the Director General of Prisons and the guidance of the Deputy Inspector General of Prisons, North Zone, with the theme, 'Building the Future through Reform.'
Skilled resource persons conduct training in handicrafts and other trades besides holding workshops on government welfare schemes, loan facilities and entrepreneurship.
Training is imparted based on the inmates' existing skills, traditional occupations and personal interests while also taking local market demand into account. The inmates have produced goods of better quality than expected and the prison is equipped to meet demand irrespective of the quantity ordered.
Officials said public participation would be crucial to the programme's success, adding that purchasing the products would encourage similar rehabilitation initiatives while helping inmates acquire skills that could support them after their release.
The prison has also developed a flower garden with different varieties of flowering plants and plans to supply flowers as raw material for flower-based products in the future.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the products is credited to the inmates' bank accounts, enabling them to extend financial support to their families and build savings that could help them after their release.
The handicraft products were recently displayed before the Chairman of KSMCL, the Deputy Commissioner, the Superintendent of Police and officials from various departments during their visit to the prison, where they appreciated the initiative.