Sagar jail resembles picnic spot

Sagar, MP, Jan 15 (UNI) With beautiful gardens, colourful fountains and creative works by inmates, the central jail in Sagar divisional headquarters resembles nothing less than a picnic spot.

Sprawling an expanse of 40 acre, the about-150-year-old jail has 10 gardens and six fountains besides several temples built with the help of jail inmates. While fruits and vegetables are produced in these gardens, prisoners had carved out attractive pictures of deities on temples.

Chhatarpur-resident Dashrath Yadav, who is serving life term on the charge of murder, is engaged in his family occupation -- taking care of cows and buffaloes in the jail.

He said the number of cows and calves in the jail's 'Sri Krishna Madhuban Gaushala (cow stable)' was 18. This number has increased to 70 and 35 litre milk is produced every day.

Jail Superintendent Akhilesh Jain told UNI here that 35 out of total 1,284 prisoners are receiving technical training. They would be imparted certificates from either the Indira Gandhi National Open University or the Assam University.

About 600 inmates are engaged in farming, carpentry, cow stable management, stitching and other works.

Mr Tomar said several schemes are being run with the objective of rehabilitating prisoners.

Besides, training regarding motor winding and domestic electric fitting was also being given. This would prove quite beneficial for rehabilitation.

Tikamgarh-resident Bhagvan Das believed that he would be able to find employment with the kind of training he was receiving in the jail.

Mr Tomar said jail inmates produced of around Rs 5.39 lakh in 2006-07. The production was expected to be around Rs eight lakh in this fiscal.

Jail Welfare Officer Lona Koshta said prisoners were being imparted training in several works like stitching and craftsmanship.

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