Varanasi: The skill development initiatives introduced in Uttar Pradesh’s prisons are beginning to yield tangible results, with furniture crafted by inmates at Varanasi Central Jail witnessing a steady rise in demand from government offices, schools and colleges. Around 80 inmates serving life sentences are engaged in the jail’s woodcraft unit, which has recorded nearly 60% growth in income between the financial years 2022-23 and 2025-26 while equipping prisoners with employable skills for rehabilitation after their release.The inmates manufacture a wide range of wooden furniture, including tables, chairs, cupboards and other utility items. The products, made from high-quality timber, have earned a reputation for their durability and craftsmanship.Central Jail Superintendent Radha Krishna Mishra said orders for furniture are regularly received from government offices, schools and colleges. He added that the quality of the wood used in the products ensures their strength and long service life.Among the products made by the inmates are Governor’s chairs and furniture used in courts, including chairs for judges. The jail administration believes the woodcraft unit is helping rewrite the lives of inmates by instilling confidence, discipline and vocational skills.Jailer Akhilesh Kumar said nearly 80 inmates are currently employed in the jail’s woodcraft industry. He said the unit’s income has increased by about 60% in 2025-26 compared with 2022-23, reflecting the growing demand for its products.According to the jail administration, vocational training is playing a vital role in making inmates self-reliant and helping them reintegrate into society after their release. By learning a trade, the inmates are attempting to leave behind their past and build a new identity and sustainable livelihood.
