From black and white to color: Maharashtra prisoners to now get color TV sets and washing machines
upgrades to improve living conditions for inmates, including the installation of modern color television sets and industrial-grade washing machines.
Enhancing Entertainment and Access
The initiative, aimed at over 40,000 prisoners housed across a diverse range of facilities, addresses longstanding issues related to inmate entertainment and hygiene. The decision to replace non-functional black and white TVs, many of which were repaired by inmates due to repair limitations, underscores the proactive approach of prison authorities.
New Standards in Entertainment
According to a prisons department official, approximately 1,000 color television sets in various sizes have been acquired, each connected to dish cables to provide inmates access to free-to-air channels. This upgrade is designed to offer inmates approximately six to seven hours of daily viewing, aimed at keeping them occupied and mentally balanced within their living quarters.
Perspective of Director General (Prisons)
Amitabh Gupta, Director General (Prisons), highlighted the significance of basic entertainment in maintaining inmates' mental health. In a TOI report, he explained, «Access to some sort of basic entertainment will help the inmates maintain mental balance. The television sets will keep them occupied, and they will not need to step out of the barracks without any reason.»
Operational television viewing hours are typically scheduled from noon to 3 pm and again from 6 pm to 10 pm in most prisons, as confirmed by Nagnath Sawant, superintendent of
