Mysore Central Jail prisoners double up as cooks

MYSORE: Soon the people of Mysore can have bread, buns, patties and biscuits made in jail. A bakery unit is all set to start in Mysore Central Prison in a few weeks from now, where prisoners will bake goodies which will be sold in an outlet that will come up in front of the premises. The Prison Department has given its nod to the project following a proposal by the local prison. The jail is purchasing ovens and other equipment needed to open a bakery unit.Bangalore-based Aarvee Industries is providing technical assistance to start the bakery, apart from training inmates on baking. To start the bakery, the Prison Department has released Rs 3 lakh and the jail has asked Aarvee Enterprises to supply a kneading machine, bread slicer, trays, etc. Initially, 800 pounds of bread, 500 buns, 300 puffs and 20 kg biscuits will be baked daily. Inmates who have interest in baking will be selected to work in two shifts daily - 7.30 am to 12.30 noon and 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm.They will receive Rs 50 per shift. Chief Superintendent of Mysore Central Prison, P N Jayasimha said that the inmates are involved in various activities like weaving bed sheets and carpets. Now they are stepping into a new venture.“We will make this project a success by making good products with the Mysore Jail brand name.”Having a bakery in the jail will help the government  avoid expenses incurred in purchasing bread for inmates daily. It will bring revenue to the exchequer as the items will also be sold outside.