Hyderabad: Special arrangements for prison inmates to fast

Hyderabad: Jail authorities are making arrangements for around 800 prisoners who will observe fast during the holy month of Ramzan.

“The prisoners who desire to observe fast inform the authorities of the jail they are lodged in. Based on this, all the fasting prisoners are lodged in same barracks in order to facilitate their daily activities,” said Abdul Rauf, Superintendent, Chanchalguda Central Prison.

The prison authorities will provide these rozadaar sehri, the pre-dawn meal at about 3 am and the evening meal when they break the fast for the day. “The food will be provided as per the prison norms. However, we will allow the families or voluntary organisations to supply both dry and seasonal fruits to the prisoners who are fasting,” said the official.

The fasting prisoners can also relish biryani, chicken curry and other dishes prepared at the prison canteen on payment of the designated amount. The prisoners earn around Rs 70 a day by working in different vocations units inside the prison and the amount is remitted into their accounts.

There is also a library in the jail where the holy Quran and other religious books are kept. “They will be allowed to attend Friday prayers at the mosque in prison and on regular days they can offer prayers in their barracks,” the superintendent said.

Similar arrangements are also being made at the Special Prison for Women at Chanchalguda.

A few organizations have come forward to distribute fruit to those who fast in the prison. “Anyone willing to supply fruits to such prisoners can approach Director General, Prisons, V.K. Singh and seek permission from him,” prison officials said.