Andhra government to allow private industries within prison premises

The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to allow private industries to set up units in the central prison premises. These private industries will be responsible for procurement of raw materials and marketing of products made by the prison inmates, according to the decision taken recently.

Chief minister K Rosaiah, who is also the chairman of the Prison Development Board, had approved the proposal, which will usher in a private-public partnership in industries inside prisons.

With the existing prison industries becoming obsolete, the administration is finding it difficult to procure raw materials and market the finished products.

The government plans to set up industries in all central prisons for making steel furniture, chalk pieces, soaps, mats and other items, with a view to impart skills to prisoners and enable them to secure a livelihood after their release.

The government also decided to hike the wages of unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled prisoners from Rs10, 15 and 20 respectively to Rs30, 50 and 70, respectively. Part of the wages earned will go towards the victim fund for canteen facilities. The balance would be deposited in bank accounts.

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