First woman prisoner to step out of jail for work

Bhanu P Lohumi

Tribune News Service

Shimla, September 18

Devi (name changed) lodged in the Hamirpur jail has become the first woman open prisoner in the country to get a job outside the prison premises. She has been hired by an educational institution as a peon.

The prisoner, who was convicted in a murder case and is undergoing life imprisonment, is out on parole and will join duty from November 1. She will draw a monthly salary of Rs 7,936 (basic pay Rs 3,620, grade pay Rs 1,200, DA Rs 2,365 and EPF Rs 850).

“She will be the first woman prisoner in open category who will step out of the jail to work in civil society,” said Director General (Prisons and Correctional Services) Somesh Goyal, who was instrumental in getting her the job.

The woman is about to complete eight years in prison, has a good conduct with no record of offence in jail and needs money to educate her son. Her daughter, who is living with her sister-in-law, is of marriageable age. “I had an interaction with members of the Rotary Club in Hamirpur, seeking help for inmates so that they can earn and one of the owners of an educational institution employed her,” Goyal said.

There are a total of 81 women inmates lodged in 12 jails in the state. Except undertrials and the elderly, a majority of the convicts have been provided work under “Har hath ko Kaam”, an initiative to turn prisons into home of quality products by exploring the hidden talents of inmates and bring qualitative improvement in their lives by enabling them to earn and rehabilitate.

Women make bakery items and are engaged in handloom, knitting, stitching, embroidery works, besides making sanitary napkins. “Efforts will be made to encourage more women to work outside so that they can earn well and develop confidence,” Goyal said.

The turnover of prisons from products like bakery, handloom, articrafts, textile and others items manufactured by inmates in various jails all across the state is Rs 3.28 crore (2017-18).

• Women lodged in 12 jails in HP 81

• No. of  prisons for women 18