In what comes as good news for prisoners in Maharashtra, the department has taken a decision to upgrade the canteen catalogue with 173 new items for the detainees. The improved list of available things include pickles, chaat masala, coconut water, Lonavala chikki, peanut butter, mayonnaise, pani puri, ice cream coffee powder, organic fruits and sugar-free sweeteners. This is in addition to the extended list that also includes shampoos, body scrubs, handwash, hair dyes and nicotine tablets for those who experience smoking cravings.
The decision to add more products for inmates to purchase comes as a result of working towards keeping the mental health of prisoners in check, according to the Additional Director General of Police, Amitabh Gupta. He also elaborated on the statement, saying that setting discipline parameters plays a crucial role in the reformation of those convicted. The new and improved list is a result of multiple reviews of requests placed by the prisoners to avail items that are within permissible limits.
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In addition to the stock items and seld-care products, a variety of dishes like sprouts, puri-bhaji, egg and paneer bhurji, idli-vada and mutton have also been added to the ‘wet’ section of the list. However, certain products like butter or ghee, birthday cakes, shoe polish, footballs and balms have been consciously excluded as a way of avoiding internal conflicts amongst the inmates, which could lead to possible gang rivalries and fights. The move to encourage prison reform and rehabilitation via the inclusion of these products are an attempt to emphasize on the role positive activities and dietary choices can play in the overall correctional process.