Maharashtra prisoners to now get ice creams, gol gappas as govt adds 173 new items in the list

The Maharashtra prison department has recently updated the range of items available for purchase in jail canteens. A total of 173 new articles have been added to the canteen catalogue, aiming to provide detainees with a variety of essential and recreational products, a TOI report stated.

Some noteworthy additions include bermuda shorts and T-shirts specifically for undertrials, as well as chaat masala, pickle, coconut water, chess boards, oats, coffee powder, Lonavala chikki, sugar-free sweeteners, ice cream, organic fruits, peanut butter, pani puri, art books, and color items. Personal care items such as face wash and hair dyes have also been included. To address the craving for tobacco, nicotine-based tablets have been permitted.

ADGP (prison) Amitabh Gupta informed TOI, "Restrictions often lead to mood swings. It is crucial to maintain the mental well-being of inmates while adhering to the discipline guidelines, as it plays a significant role in their rehabilitation. By expanding their dietary choices, this update is expected to positively impact the overall health of prisoners."


The "wet" part of the canteen has also changed, with the addition of sprouts, goat meat, potato bhaji puri, egg bhurji, paneer bhurji, idli, and meduwada. According to Gupta, this measure is likely to improve prisoners' general well-being by broadening their food alternatives. The prisons department, on the other hand, has chosen to delete certain items from the list. Birthday cakes, pure ghee and butter, balms, shoe polish, football, plastic ball, and other similar items are not permitted.

"This move also aligns with broader discussions about prison reforms and the rehabilitation of inmates, emphasising the role of positive activities and dietary choices in the overall correctional process," said Jalinder Supekar, the prison department's inspector general of police (headquarter).