Gulmi District Prison giving inmates work opportunities

By Ramesh Bishwokarma,Gulmi, Jan. 11: Prisoners in the Gulmi District Prison have been involved with earning opportunities with the support of prison officials. The inmates are mostly involved in furniture-related work.

According to the prison officials, inmates in the district prison have been associated with earning activities for the past 18 years.

“Earlier, prisoners only made local bamboo stools. Now, with the help of their expertise and skills, they are manufacturing different furniture,” said Reshami Raj Panthi, jailer and head of the prison.

Moreover, some prisoners also occupy themselves by weaving nylon ropes, preparing Dhaka fabric and chopping bamboo as well.

“Sometimes, the prison feels like a factory filled with skilled workers. Around Rs. 6 to 8 million worth of furniture, stool and fabric are sold from the prison every month,” informed the internal administration chief of the prison.

“Workers are given a salary of up to Rs. 15,000 per month and their assistants receive Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 12,000 per month. 

There are 118 inmates in the prison with a capacity of only 25 inmates,” said Panthi.

Officials informed that every prisoner other than those sick and disabled work in the areas they feel at ease. 

Meanwhile, the prison lacks enough space for the prisoners to stay let alone operate an industry. “There is also a lack of drinking water,” said Panthi.

Panthi stressed that the step would be supportive in the context of the government’s plan to operate an open prison. “Training prisoners to help them learn different skills and providing a platform to utilise them would be beneficial for all,” he added.