Tihar Haat is an interesting place. This is where creativity from inside the walls of the Tihar jail is displayed. The artists are non other than inmates of the prison.
Situated on the premises of the Tihar Jail, Tihar Haat showcases items made in the jail for sale. The staff include inmates and those completed their jail term.
The items are moderately priced. The initiative is part of the project to ensure the economic and social rehabilitation of prisoners. It has helped many prisoners to find employment and a new life after their release from jail.
A variety of products made by prisoners are kept for sale. They include body sprays with the scent of jasmine and sandal, shirts, kurta, bedsheet, blankets, bags made of jute and cloth, ladies handbag, laptop bag made of jute, lunch box, incense sticks, prayer items, liquid hand wash, soaps and toilet cleaner.
Other items include powdered spices, masalas, oats, cookies, gingely oil and sweets.
The shirts and kurtas are priced between Rs 380 and Rs 620.
However, the most striking wares on display are the art works. Paintings are priced between Rs 1,500 and Rs 7,000. They show images like a mother and son engaged in hunting, a lion taking rest, vulture, dancing girls, a young woman with a pot and a girl waiting for someone.
The artist’s name is displayed in small letters below each work. Some among them may still be in prison or were released. Sushil, the jail official in charge of the shop, refuses to disclose such details.
Both the employees at the shop are undergoing sentence for murder. But their past is irrelevant. Tihar Haat is an experiment to give them a new life.
According to the authorities, sales worth Rs 2 lakh is witnessed in the outlet every month. There are, in total, 12 such shops in Delhi. Employees include prisoners who have been behind bars for 12 years and those in the open jail. They are paid around Rs 4,000 a month which is deposited in their bank account. The amount will be handed over on release.
‘Tihar Emporia’, another establishment at a different location, is a part of the project. Among those working here is a former employee of a multi-national company who is undergoing a prison term.
Employees for the shops are selected after a thorough check of their history and conduct in jail. An interview is conducted by senior jail officials before the appointment.
In Tihar Jail, the production takes place in the CJ-2 and CJ-4 blocks. Training is given to inmates by experts from outside. Prisoners having a talent for cooking are also given suitable guidance. The pay is Rs 350-450 a day. Those doing more work are paid proportionately. Prisoners earn at least Rs 6,000 a month.
Some time ago, a restaurant had been opened near Tihar Haat to employ prisoners who were trained in cookery. But it was soon closed as those who worked there found other jobs after completing their prison terms.
Now the jail authorities are planning to re-launch the restaurant by appointing a new chef from outside the prison. However, the other staff will comprise prisoners.
