UP jail inmates earn ₹7 lakh at Maha Kumbh with handcrafted products

Uttar Pradesh’s prisons are now focusing on rehabilitation, with inmates from 27 jails showcasing their handcrafted products at Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. A dedicated exhibition and sales center has been set up in Sector-01, Triveni Road, where over 150 prison-made items, including paintings, footwear, deity attire, eco-friendly bags, and carpets, are on display. These products are part of initiatives like One District One Product (ODOP), Local for Vocal, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The exhibition features a wide range of products crafted by inmates, with prices ranging from ₹2 to ₹12,000. Items like carpets from Mirzapur-Bhadohi, handmade shoes from Agra, deity outfits from Mathura, and decorative artifacts from Mainpuri have gained significant attention. Inmates have also produced household goods, kitchen essentials, incense sticks, and furniture, which are being sold at competitive prices.

Since January 11, sales have crossed ₹7 lakh, with earnings credited to the welfare funds of the prisoners whose products have been sold. Jail officials state that these earnings provide inmates with financial support while helping them develop skills that can aid in their reintegration into society post-release. An instructor at Naini Jail, Dashrath Prasad, emphasized that the exhibition aims to bring forward the hidden talents of inmates and promote skill-building opportunities.

Fatehpur District Jail inmates have crafted eco-friendly cotton and denim bags, priced at ₹10 and ₹100, respectively. These bags, printed with “Om. Sarvasiddhiprada: Kumbh Maha Kumbh Prayagraj 2025”, are being promoted for their role in supporting cleanliness and environmental conservation under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Other popular items include folding chairs from Bareilly Jail, soft toys from Jhansi Jail, and amla-based food products from Pratapgarh Jail.

Products like a ₹12,000 inlay painting from Mainpuri, a ₹5,100 Sangam-themed painting from Ghaziabad Jail, and incense sticks from Kannauj Jail have been among the top-selling items. The initiative also features religious offerings such as conch shells from Aligarh, Shiva idols from Varanasi, and wheat straw Hanuman idols. Officials claim that these products are available at lower prices compared to the market while maintaining high quality.

The prison administration has ensured that this initiative aligns with the state’s policies on prison reform. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed that jails must not serve as hubs for criminal activities but should instead focus on rehabilitation and skill development. Authorities have stated that strict monitoring is in place to ensure compliance with these directives. The Maha Kumbh 2025 exhibition continues to attract visitors, with the prison-made products receiving strong demand.