In what could be a new beginning and first of its kind experiment, a book cafe in Shimla, inaugurated by Himachal Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Tuesday, would be run by the inmates of Kaithu jail.
Jai Chand and Yog Raj, undergoing life imprisonment, were seen in the role of Chefs and seemed happy to meet the Chief Minister. Two other inmates of the jail, Ram lal and Raj Kumar would also assist them in serving beverages to the visitors.
Talking to media about the café being run by jail inmates, Virbhadra Singh said that it was a good step and certainly one should be given a fair chance to be associated with the mainstream and lead a normal life. All prisoners must be given opportunities to improve themselves and work to earn livelihood, he said.
The first ‘Book café, situated at Takka Bench is in very commanding position, just above the historical Ridge and on way to the famous Jakhu temple. The café is expected to become a boon for the locals and the tourists. Chief Minister said that people will find one more place in the town to relax and enjoy the serene environment and scenic beauty of Shimla hills besides going through best of the books.
The Cafe has been completed with an outlay of `20 lakh, funded by Tourism department.
On the same day, the Chief Minister also dedicated and laid foundation stone of, as many as, 11 development projects worth around Rs. 10 crore within Shimla city.
He laid foundation stone of pedestrian path to be constructed from Navbahar Chowk to Sanjauli and to cost around Rupees one crore. He also laid foundation stone of over-head Foot Bridge at Navbahar chowk to cost Rs. 75.26 lakh to overcome the problem of crossing Main road. He also laid foundation stone of parking near Indira Gandhi Medical College Gate at cart road to cost `2.65 crore. The four floor parking would have a capacity for parking over 200 vehicles. Besides, it will also have a commercial complex.
later, Chief Minister laid foundation stone of over-head Foot Bridge at Tara Hall School to cost `75.26 lakh. He also inaugurated Primary Health Centre at Annadale, (Kaithu) constructed with an outlay of `1.20 crore.
later in the afternoon, Chief Minister laid foundation stone of Community Centre at Tutikandi to be constructed at a cost of `1.25 crore and foundation stone of over-head Foot Bridge at Khalini to cost for `80 lakh.
He also laid foundation stone of parking at Hotel Holiday Home to cost rupees two crore. This would facilitate parking of as many as 70 vehicles and completed within four months.