The manufacturing unit at Tihar jail, which is the biggest jail in Asia, has become a profit-making one in last three years. The jail authorities had set up a manufacturing unit and the hard work of the inmates resulted in a 300 per cent hike in its annual turnover.
This year’s annual turnover has reached Rs 18 crores, 40 per cent more than last year’s Rs 11 crores, which was double of the Rs 5 crores in the year 2010.
“The hike in turnover is not only good for the jail but it also indicates that the inmates, convicts and undertrials, are working hard. Their specialisation in different fields will assist them in leading a good, honourable life after the jail stint,” said a jail official.
The officials said that the furniture unit of the jail is working spectacularly and as a result, the benches and desks made by the inmates are being used in most of the government schools in the city.
The newly-built gulal and colour-making unit has also received orders from foreign countries and recently a big consignment was booked for Bollywood.
“The gulal and colour made in the jail units are completely herbal and no chemicals are used in them, that’s why the unit has received such huge orders before the festival of Holi,” the official added.
The jail authorities have set up Tihar Haats in different areas of the city to sell the products made by the inmates under the brand TJ’s.
The inmates who work in the manufacturing units at Tihar premises get their daily wages starting from Rs 110.