IMPHAL, October 22: As part of its correctional measure being taken up for inmates, the Manipur Sajiwa Central Jail authority had opened a Handicraft Section inside the jail complex since about two weeks back, said Senior Superintendent of Police (Prison) I K Muivah today.
Speaking to a select group of media persons, the police officer said that 25 inmates are presently participating in the section and indulging in the making of plastic stool (mora), carry bags and other items.
The handicraft section has been opened after it was found that some of the inmates have handicraft skills, he said before adding that with the assistance of two more jail staffs skilled in handicraft, the first phase of the section was conducted.
He said, the skill development process will continue further and the jail authority is considering help from other handicraft artisans from outside the jail to help in the programme.
The completed products will be showcased inside the jail compound on sale for the visitors of the jail to see and buy, he said.
In case the demand for the finished products increase, then it will be marketed on a larger scale, he added.
Materials required for making the items are provided by the jail authority, he said
The main objective behind the opening of Handicraft section is to give the inmates a skill of handicraft through which they could dream for a more productive life after getting out of the Correction centre after completion of their terms, he said.
He further said that since the past few years back, the Manipur Sajiwa Central Jail has been taking up various corrective measures for the jail inmates by means of opening a gymnasium, library, yoga Art of Living, music and fine arts.
The authority is also trying to open a Carpentry Section soon, he said.