West Bengal Jail: To ensure that prisoners also feel a part of the Durga Puja festivities, prison authorities in West Bengal have planned to serve a special menu of mutton biryani, basanti pulao and other Bengali dishes during the festival. The initiative aims to bring joy to both convicts and undertrials during the biggest celebration of the state.
Only prisoners will cook the dishes
The Durga Puja festive menu will be in effect from Shashthi (October 9) to Dashami (October 12). According to a report, there are regular requests from prisoners for better food during festivals. This new menu is a step towards making the celebration special for them. This is being seen as a positive step towards the rehabilitation of prisoners. These special dishes will be prepared by the prisoners themselves, who have been trained as cooks. These dishes include Bengali traditional dishes such as ‘Machher matha diye pui shaak’ (Malabar spinach with fish head), ‘Luchi-cholar dal’ (puri and Bengali chana dal), chicken curry, ‘payash’ (Bengali kheer) and Includes ‘Aloo Potol Chingri’ (Prawn with Parwal and Potatoes). Mutton biryani and the popular ‘Basanti Pulao’ served with raita will also be part of the menu.
Option to choose any dish
Respecting religious sentiments, non-vegetarian dishes will not be mandatory and prisoners will have the option to choose from a variety of dishes. In fact, for many Bengalis and others living in Bengal, Durga Puja celebrations are incomplete without fish or meat. Officials hope that this initiative will bring a smile on the faces of the prisoners and make them feel connected to the festivities outside. This change in menu is part of an ongoing effort to improve conditions for prisoners during special occasions.
high-profile prisoners
Notably, the Presidency Jail, one of Kolkata’s premier reform homes, houses high-profile prisoners like former ministers of state Partha Chatterjee and Jyoti Priya Malik and former principal of RG Kar Medical College Sandeep Ghosh. Chatterjee and Malik are facing corruption-related charges, while Sandeep Ghosh is involved in a case related to the rape-murder of a female doctor and financial irregularities.
Menu implemented in all jails
There are currently 26,994 male prisoners and 1,778 female prisoners in 59 jails in West Bengal. The festive menu will be implemented in all these jails, bringing a festive spirit to those behind bars. “For every major event we try to make special arrangements for the prisoners and Durga Puja is no exception,” an officer said.
