Malangwa prison overcrowded in four months of its operation

By Our Correspondent,Sarlahi, May 14: Malangwa Prison which came into operation four months ago has already been overcrowded.

The jail with a capacity to accommodate 210 prisoners--160 men and 60 women, has already had 250 inmates. 

 Manoj Kumar Mishra, head of the jail office, said the overcrowding of prisoners has posed a challenge to the prison management. Of the inmates, 20 are female (including three dependent children) and 230 are male.

Jailer Mishra said, “We are currently managing the 250 prisoners, but there is a chance that the number of prisoners will increase, which might create further problems for us.” The prison currently has more transferred prisoners than those sent by the Sarlahi District Court.

After the establishment of the Malangwa prison, prisoners who were from Sarlahi but imprisoned somewhere else, expressed their wish to be transferred. This has made it easier for the prisoners to meet their families and relatives. But this has created problems for the management of the prison.

Many prisoners from Sindhuli, Rautahat, and Bhimphedi were transferred to Malangwa. A small number of prisoners from other districts have also been transferred to Malangwa prison. 

Currently, most of the prisoners have acquired skill-based training inside the prison. According to jailer Mishra, 16 prisoners weave carpet, 20 make cotton wicks (lakh batti) and five make bamboo stools. 

“We started giving the prisoners skill-based work in coordination with the contractors, which is a positive endeavour,” said Jailer Mishra.

He added, “We have created a system where the prisoners can sell their items from inside the prison and earn money.” After acquiring skill-based training, prisoners have started making an income, he said.