Odisha Govt Installs Washing Machines, Music System In Jharpada Special Jail

Bhubaneswar: As part of jail reforms, the Odisha government has installed washing machines and a projector for prisoners in Jharpada jail in the city.

The facilities are being provided to prisoners as part of the implementation of the “Odisha Model Jail Manual-2020”, DG (Prisons) SK Upadhyay said.

According to the jail authorities, four washing machines of 20 kg capacity each have been installed to relieve the prisoners of manual washing of their clothes.

It has been decided that the prisoners of each ward will wash their clothes alternatively every day.

They also said to develop positive mindset among prisoners, the government has provided a projector and audio systems to watch and listen to the devotional movies and songs.

According to prison officials, many prisoners die by suicide due to stress and the National Human Rights Commission has suggested that soothing music be played in jails as it may help in preventing such incidents.

Also, two water purifiers were installed in the female enclosure and the jail hospital, the officials said, adding that arrangements have been made so that women prisoners with children and those who are sick are able to keep their cooked food warm for eating at late hours.

A turmeric powder processing unit was also set up at the female enclosure. The turmeric powder produced here will be sold to people and the female inmates will in turn earn some money by engaging themselves in the unit.

Besides, two units for processing mustard oil and wheat flour will be opened in the female enclosure by the end of March 2021.

A sanitary napkin incinerator was also installed in the female enclosure for destroying used napkins.

About 5,000 marigold saplings have been planted on the special jail premises here to sell the flower in local market.

Arrangements are also being made to sell fish and compost manure produced in the jail.

A sales counter of the Special Jail, Bhubaneswar will be inaugurated shortly to sell products made in the prison.