Bengaluru: The prisons department has launched a new bakery unit at Central Prison, Parappana Agrahara, and a mobile bakery initiative to provide inmates with vocational training and help them build livelihoods after their release.“Nava Sankalpa Bakery” and “Nava Sankalpa Bakery on Wheels” were inaugurated Thursday by director general of police (prisons and correctional services) Alok Kumar, in collaboration with HCL Foundation.The initiative will train convicted inmates in preparing bakery products, with officials highlighting the importance of quality and hygiene during interactions with prisoners. Inmates who complete the training will also be provided certificates.Under the “Bakery on Wheels” initiative, freshly prepared bakery products will be sold at various court complexes, crowded govt offices and bus stands, giving the products a wider market while providing inmates with practical work experience.The initiative is also expected to generate revenue for the govt while equipping inmates with skills that could help them rebuild their lives after release.The Bakery on Wheels was taken to the state prisons department head office on Sheshadri Road and the office of the commissioner of police on Infantry Road. The staff and visitors at both places purchased the products.The products such as egg puff, veg puff, buns, cakes, cookies, mixtures and others are prepared at the unit in the prison. Every day, the Bakery on Wheels will carry the products and sell them in crowded places.“After tasting the puffs on Thursday, I was satisfied with the quality and taste. We sell the products for less than the other bakeries in the city with quality so that people get the products at an affordable price,” Kumar told TOI.“The Bakery on Wheels is currently operated by a warder. We are looking forward to inviting released prisoners to run it for a monthly salary,” Kumar said. “We need to improve the packing of the products so that we can supply the products to the corporate sector,” he added.
