Jail No-5 of Tihar Central Jail, also known as Adolescents Jail that houses young prisoners, is more of reformatory than a jail in the literal sense. Its inmates are youngsters, especially those who commit a crime for the first time and the Delhi Prisons Administration keeps close tab on the activities of these adolescent inmates to keep them engaged in various programmes to harness their energy.
Established since the inauguration of the Tihar Jail, the largest prison in Asia, the Adolescents Jail provides an alternative space where the inmates undergo varied courses- such as hair styling, theatre classes and painting classes. Module courses have been devised and are run by the prison authorities to nurture their talent and also convert them into better persons so that they can lead normal life after being released.
For instance, 20 year old Raghav (name changed) had no knowledge about how to use a paint brush. Arrested on charges of a murder of a neighbor in 2016, the first year student of a private college in Jharkhand had mastered the art of rock painting in a matter of six months inside the Adolescents Jail.
The Adolescents Jail used to function from Jail NO- 7. However, from January 16 this year, the jail inmates were shifted to the Jail number 5.
Popular as the Adolescents Jail, Jail number 5 provides a roof to the under trial prisoners, shaping them into better individuals. The Adolescent Jail houses a total of 875 prisoners in the age group of 18-21.
The idea behind establishing the Adolescent Jail was to avert the interaction of the hardened criminals with the first time offenders. Talking about how the Adolescent Jail successfully engage the inmates in activities such as academic, sports, literary and arts, the jail provides a rather less hostile environment to the inmates who usually under depression.
“There was another 19-year-old boy who had committed a heinous offence in the month of December following which he was sent to the Adolescent Jail. “Since he had a penchant for learning hairstyling courses, we got in touch with an NGO and called in some hair stylists to teach a group of 25- inmates how they can master the art of cutting hair. This is one of the several activities undertaken by the young inmates to divert their attention. Through the activities of enrolling in theatre classes and in dance classes, we train them to hone their skills.
In a recent event, we also held Tihar Idol where young inmates who had interest in singing participated. Through the means of engaging the inmates of the Adolescent Jail into a hub of varied activities, we try to prepare them for a better, brighter future. These activities bridge the communication gap among inmates and also boost their self esteem,” said a jail official.
A senior Jail official shared that the decision to shift the inmates to Jail number 5 was taken in order to provide them more space to engage in sports and related activities. “Each cell has a play area where they can play indoor games such as carom, chess, Table Tennis as well as outdoor games such as cricket, football etc.
Talking to The Pioneer, Anju Mangla, Superintendent of the Jail Number- 5 shared that among a total of 875 UTP (Under Trial Prisoners), a lot of them are given training in art courses, theatre courses. ‘”A day inside the Adolescent jail starts with Yoga, followed by a few exercises. Till 12 pm, the inmates are given classes. While there are students who evince interest in academic pursuits and enroll in long distance educational programmes, there are other inmates who show deep interest in following vocational courses. After a lunch break, these inmates are given vocational training. On popular demand, we have also started giving them lessons on hair styling.”
“We seek help from various NGOs who assist the inmates to deal with depression and drug abuse. By enrolling these students into courses such as computer training skills, food processing and English Speaking courses, we intend to prepare them for the better life once they are released from the Jail,” added the Superintendent.