Karnataka introduces telephone booths in Central Jail

Bangalore, Apr 16 (UNI) In an unique gesture to free jail birds from tension and feeling lonely, Karnataka government today introduced telephone booths in the Central Jail at Parappana Agrahara, on the outskirts of the city, to help the 5000 jail birds get in touch with their family and friends.

Speaking after inaugurating the facility, the first of its sort in the country, Home Minister M P Prakash said that ten booths had been set up in the sprawling facility. This included one each at the hospital and quarantine room, apart from a separate booth for women.

The facility had been introduced on a pilot basis and would be extended to other jails as well if proved successful, he said.

"The authorities are not interested in the personal conversations of the prisoners. However, all calls would be taped.

If the facility was used for any unlawful purpose it will be withdrawn. The inmates will have to buy BSNL prepaid cards to use the facility," he said.

The prisoners could use the facility once a week and were allowed to talk for a duration of five minutes, jail officials said.

UNI