Prison products will get attractive packaging, wider market: Home Minister

Priyank Kharge. | Photo Credit: File photo Home Minister Priyank Kharge has directed officials to explore large-scale production, attractive packaging and wider marketing of products manufactured by prisoners in Karnataka’s jails, with the aim of increasing sales and making the Karnataka Prisons Development Board financially self-reliant.Chairing the fifth meeting of the Karnataka Prisons Development Board on Wednesday (October 14), Mr. Kharge stressed the need to create a stable market for prison-made products and improve their quality, packaging and marketing strategies to generate greater demand.He directed officials to formulate programmes to expand the sale of these products and increase the board’s revenue while strengthening skill development and rehabilitation opportunities for prisoners.The meeting discussed several initiatives, including the implementation of art therapy programmes in prisons, collaboration with voluntary organisations to support the psychological transformation and rehabilitation of inmates, and the establishment of de-addiction centres.The board also reviewed proposals to improve prison infrastructure, introduce modern vocational training for inmates and expand production and marketing activities across various prisons.Mr. Kharge emphasised that providing prisoners with opportunities to develop practical skills and earn through productive activities would support their rehabilitation and help them reintegrate into society. Strengthening the marketing network for prison-made goods would also help ensure sustained demand and generate revenue for the board, he said.Minister displeased over absence of department headsIn a separate development, Mr. Kharge expressed strong displeasure over the absence of senior officials from several departments despite being instructed to attend the meeting.Heads of departments, including those from Health, Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, Horticulture and Industries, reportedly sent junior officials in their place.The Minister stressed that senior officials must recognise the importance of the board’s meetings, attend them personally and take responsibility for decisions concerning their respective departments. He asked the junior officials who had attended in place of their department heads to leave the meeting.Additional Chief Secretary to the Home Department Rajendra Kumar Kataria, Karnataka Director General of Police A. Saleem, Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services Alok Kumar, Home Department Secretary Sharath Chandra and other officials attended the meeting. Published - October 14, 2026 07:02 pm IST