Inmates of correctional homes to get new recognition through their products

Kolkata: Various Jute products manufactured by the inmates of Dum Dum Central Correctional Home (DDCCH) will now be exhibited and sold at Patuli floating market on Eastern Metropolitan Bypass. The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA), which set up the floating market, has allocated a boat on the waterbody for the same. If everything goes as per schedule, state Urban Development minister Firhad Hakim will inaugurate the venture on Tuesday, August 28.

It may be mentioned that some 50 odd inmates mostly from DDCCH and a handful from Presidency Central Correctional Home have gone through coordinated skill development training in manufacturing jute products for six months. The initiative was started last year by an NGO called Rakshak Foundation under the name 'Jute Story Beyond Bars' in association with the state Correctional Administration department.

"There has been an effort through out the state to curb the use of plastic. Once this shop comes up, we can urge people to use jute bags as an alternative to plastic," a senior KMDA official said.

Jute bags for shopping purposes will be available in the shop at Rs 18 and a single bag can be used six times.

"They are now churning out a wide variety of jute products that range from mats, cushion covers, gift items, files and folders to bags and other home décor items. Expert designers have been roped in to give these products an international touch. Our efforts are meant for enhancing the usage of jute by emphasising its inherent sustainability, biodegradable nature and aesthetics," said Chaitali Das, managing trustee of the NGO.

A visually-impaired woman, with a history of turbulent domestic life, along with her 15-year-old son will manage the floating unit and will eke out a living from a part of the sale proceeds.

Jute products by the inmates are presently available at two other shops in the city — one on Russel Street and another at Oxford Book Store on Park Street. "There is a reasonable demand and we are hopeful that the third shop too will be popular as well," Das added.

It may be mentioned that the floating market has emerged as a tourist place among the nearby areas. Apart from shopping, people also visit from far off places to have a look at the market.