Private industries in prisons

The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to allow private industries to be set up in the central prison premises. They will be responsible for procuring the raw material and also do the marketing of the products made by the prison inmates.

Chief minister K Rosaiah, who is also the chairman of the Prison Development Board, had approved this proposal, which heralds a private-public partnership in industries in prison.

The existing prison industries have become obsolete and the administration is finding it difficult to procure raw material and sale of finished goods.

Industries would be set up in all central prisons for making steel furniture, chalk pieces, soaps, mats and others with a view to impart skills to prisoners and enable them to eke a livelihood after their release.

It was also decided to enhance the wages to Rs 30, 50 and 70 to unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled prisoners respectively from the earlier Rs 10,15 and 20. Part of the wages will be distributed to the victim fund and for availing canteen facilities and deposit the rest in bank accounts.

A prison management information system to connect the prison and police departments and the courts will also be developed.