Bengaluru:
Bakery products prepared by inmates of Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Prison will be served as snacks at the Republic Day celebrations at the Manekshaw Parade Ground in Karnataka on Monday, marking a unique step toward prisoner rehabilitation and skill development.
The initiative has been launched by the Karnataka Prisons and Correctional Services Department under its Nav Sankalpa programme, aimed at equipping convicted prisoners with employable skills and offering them a chance at meaningful reintegration into society after release.
From Prison Kitchens to Republic Day Tables
From Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and cabinet ministers to senior officials and members of the public attending the event, all guests will be served snacks prepared entirely by convicted inmates of Parappana Agrahara prison.
The prison currently houses around 1,200 convicted prisoners. As part of the bakery initiative, 20 inmates underwent an intensive one-month professional training programme, and the department plans to expand the training to more prisoners in the coming months.
What Products Are Being Made?
The trained inmates are currently producing a wide range of bakery items, including:
- Biscuits of various flavours
- Cupcakes
- Snack mixtures
All products are prepared under supervision and follow quality standards aimed at making them commercially viable.
Focus on Sustainability and Market Access
Speaking to media, Director General of Police (Prisons and Correctional Services) Alok Kumar said the department is focused on making the initiative both competitive and sustainable.
“The department is exploring all possible venues to ensure these products reach the public,” Kumar said.
He added that discussions are underway to make the bakery products available beyond prison walls.
CSR Support and E-Commerce Plans
The programme is being supported through a CSR partnership with HCLTech, the global IT services and consulting firm headquartered in Noida.
According to DGP Kumar:
- Talks are underway to tie up with BigBasket for direct consumer sales
- HCLTech has assured support through its My E-Haat platform
“This activity is exclusively for convicted prisoners, not undertrials. The goal is meaningful skill development and ensuring the products meet market-quality benchmarks,” he said.
A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Karnataka Prison Department and HCLTech is expected to be signed on February 4.
Professional Training with a Market-Oriented Approach
The bakery training was conducted by professional trainers from Hyderabad over a one-month period. While vocational activities have existed in prisons earlier, officials noted that this is the first time such training has been designed with a structured, market-driven approach.
A Shift from Controversy to Reform
Parappana Agrahara prison has often made headlines in the past for controversies, including allegations of corruption, security lapses, illegal mobile phone usage, and preferential treatment to high-profile inmates.
Officials say initiatives like Nav Sankalpa are part of a broader effort to shift focus toward reform, rehabilitation, and dignity through work.
More Skill Training Planned
In addition to bakery training, the Karnataka Prison Department plans to introduce skill development programmes in:
- Textiles
- Stitching
- Allied vocational trades
The aim is to provide prisoners with multiple livelihood options upon release.