Now, HP jails to run internal radio channels for inmates

SHIMLA: In an innovative move to engage prisoners in constructive work, the Himachal Pradesh government has decided to set up internal radio channels in jails.

These channels will run spiritual programmes, health talks and on-request film songs through internal wire travel broadcasting system.

Messages from inmates’ families will also be recorded, which would be aired on their birthdays.

“The idea behind this initiative is to create a positive atmosphere in jails by engaging inmates in activities such as singing, poetry recitation and short-story reading,” said director general, prisons, Somesh Goyal.

‘INMATES CAN LISTEN TO THEIR FAVOURITE SONGS’

In an hour-long ‘Kaidi Bhaiyon ke Farmaishi Geet’ programme, inmates will be able to enjoy their favourite movie songs by passing hand-written notes from their respective barracks to their wardens, who will forward it to the compere, he said. Initially, such radio channels will be launched in two model jails at Nahan and Kanda, on the outskirts of Shimla town.

The radio production, radio jockeying and all other pre-production processes will be carried out exclusively by inmates in these jails.

For carrying out all these activities, the prison department has selected four inmates each at Kanda and Nahan jails on the basis of their talent.

The prisoners have been trained in running radio programmes by leading radio jockey Shalini Sharma in Shimla.

In the initial phase, radio channels will run on speakers with the help of internal wire system that has already been installed at the two prisons.

During this period, the inmates will be able to listen to pre-recorded shows and songs on request.

“After the trial, it will be converted into a frequency radio that will work within the prison compound,” Goyal said.

Informative programmes such as news bulletins and ‘Mann Ki Baat’ by Prime Minister Narendra Nodi will also be broadcast on these channels,” he said.

“The project was earlier scheduled to be launched on August 15, but as some technical work is pending, it will take another week to be started,” Goyal said.

In May, 2014, a similar initiative was taken up in Tihar Jail, New Delhi, when two FM radio channels were launched with the twin objectives of entertainment and training of prisoners as radio jockeys.

The idea behind this initiative is to create a positive atmosphere in jails by engaging inmates in activities such as singing, poetry recitation and shortstory reading. SOMESH GOYAL, director general, prisons