In a positive turn of events, Tihar Jail Store has thrown open its doors once again, after a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The unique store provides an avenue for prisoners to contribute and earn through the sale of products they’ve crafted. The range of products on offer includes items like clothes, artificial jewelry, bakery and confectionery items, and cleaning supplies. The aim of this initiative is to offer rehabilitation opportunities to the inmates, thereby fostering the chance for a better life post-incarceration.
Initiative Aim: Rehabilitation through Skill Development
The primary goal of relaunching the Tihar Jail Store is to promote rehabilitation among the prison population. This approach offers a chance for these individuals to develop and utilize their skills in a constructive manner while still behind bars. Through the practice of product development, not only can inmates engage in a productive activity, but they can also acquire new skills and refine existing ones that may help them integrate into society after serving their sentence.
Products Made by Prisoners: A Look at the Varied Array
The shop offers a multitude of products, all of which are handcrafted by the inmates themselves. Ranging from clothing items and artificial jewelry to bakery items including bread and buns, the list is extensive and diverse. Also available are handmade candles, soaps, toilet cleaners, furniture, and additional confectionery items. These products bear testament to the creativity and abilities that exist among the inmates, who despite their circumstances, continue to strive for growth and development.
Selecting Participants: The Criteria for Running the Shop
Not all prisoners are automatically eligible to take part in this initiative. Certain criteria have been established to determine who will be allowed to participate. Aspects such as inmate behavior, health status, and the duration of time spent in prison play a significant role in the selection process. These factors are considered to ensure a smooth operation of the shop and to provide the opportunity to those who have demonstrated a commitment to personal change and improvement.
Mechanism of Payments: Inmate Wages and Treasury Contribution
While the initiative primarily aims at rehabilitation, it also offers a certain degree of financial independence to the inmates. The proceeds from each sale made at the store are directed towards the treasury; however, a portion is allocated as wages for the respective convicts involved in the production process. The wage system is structured according to approved guidelines, ensuring fairness and consistency in payments.
The relaunched Tihar Jail Store, thus, symbolizes an effort towards structural reform within the prison system. Through the provision of skill development opportunities and constructive engagement, the initiative paves the way for inmate rehabilitation. It provides them with a platform to demonstrate their abilities, earn wages, and prepare for life beyond the prison walls.
