Kolkata, Oct 24 – The Alipore Women’s Correctional Home in Kolkata has introduced a unique initiative called ‘Abhinno’ (Integrated), launched by the West Bengal Correctional Services Department in July. This program allows female inmates to prepare and sell food, handicrafts, and other goods directly to the public from stalls located outside the prison, creating a vital connection between the inmates and the community.

The initiative aims to help inmates earn livelihoods, regain dignity, and rebuild their confidence while serving their sentences. West Bengal Correctional Services Minister Chandranath Sinha emphasized that ‘Abhinno’ is setting a new benchmark in prison reform, with products made by inmates sold through these outlets. An NGO provides training, and the earnings contribute to the prisoners’ welfare fund, with wages given to inmates upon their release.

Currently, around 25 inmates participate in the program at Alipore, with eight women managing the stall daily, handling cooking, serving, and selling handicrafts. The atmosphere is lively, filled with laughter and camaraderie as the women engage with customers and share recipes. The concept originated from discussions on how to sustain inmates after their release, leading to a proposal that received immediate approval from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who officially inaugurated the project.

Initially implemented in four correctional homes—Alipore Women’s, Presidency, Dum Dum, and Suri—the initiative has expanded to include other prisons, with plans to introduce ‘Abhinno’ stalls in all major jails across Bengal. Inmates begin their day before dawn, preparing a variety of snacks and meals, and by late afternoon, customers from nearby offices and educational institutions flock to the stalls.

The project not only provides financial benefits but also teaches inmates essential skills such as teamwork and business management. Inmates express a sense of freedom and purpose through their work, despite being confined within prison walls. Earnings from the stalls contribute to the West Bengal Prisoners’ Welfare Fund, with wages saved for inmates until their release.

Security measures, including CCTV and guards, ensure safety, while the sense of purpose derived from the project fosters trust between inmates and the public. The initiative has garnered positive feedback from the community, with locals increasingly visiting the stalls for refreshments.

In addition to food, the stalls feature a variety of products crafted by inmates, including textiles, jute crafts, candles, and furniture. During the COVID-19 pandemic, inmates also produced face masks and PPE kits. The program, implemented in collaboration with the NGO Junglemahal Udyog, focuses on skill development and livelihood generation for inmates.

The response to ‘Abhinno’ has been overwhelmingly positive, with inmates gaining confidence through their work. Public interactions are reshaping perceptions of inmates, fostering a more positive image within the community. The department plans to expand the initiative further, potentially registering it as a cooperative brand and exploring partnerships with cafes and government outlets for broader outreach.