Patiala Central Jail will soon be equipped with a library to inculcate reading habit among its inmates. A library has been constructed and shelves are ready, but books are yet to be bought.
The new facility has sitting capacity for 50 inmates and more than 700 books can be accommodated.
Additional superintendent of police (jail) Rajan Kapur said they had forwarded a proposal to the state government to get approval for the purchase of books and provide funds to operationalise the library.
“We have also contacted the publication department of Punjabi University. Books will be provided to us from the department at 50% discount per book on listed price. The list of books we want has been handed over to the department,” he added.
The jail already has a small library with few books and newspapers.
“The library has been a key demand of inmates. Approval from the state jail department will be taken next week and the library will be operated next month.”
Religion-based books, literature in various languages and journals and newspapers will be provided to the inmates.
{{/usCountry}}Religion-based books, literature in various languages and journals and newspapers will be provided to the inmates.
{{/usCountry}}As demanded by the inmates, political biographies of high-profile politicians and years old journals and newspapers will also be made available.
Philanthropists have also donated their personal collection to the jail and hope that the initiative ends up doing well.