Raksha Bandhan for prisoners: UP govt allows Rakhi, but no outside sweets or meeting with visitors

outside sweets or eatables will be allowed for prisoners across jails in Uttar Presh on Raksha Bandhan and physical meetings with anyone will remain completely prohibited, an official order stated on Monday amid COVID-19 outbreak.

rakhis sent for prisoners by ir family members would be provided to m in envelopes after ensuring proper sanitisation, stated order by UP Prisons ministration and Reform Services, Luckw.

re are 72 jails, including five central and 62 district prisons, in state, according to an official figure.

As per order, prison authorities have to establish COVID-19 helpdesk at a counter outside jails and ensure proper sanitisation of people coming with Raksha Bandhan gifts for inmates.

“ belongings of visitors and family members of inmates are to be checked. Permitted items – Rakhi, sandalwood, rice – are to be collected by prison officials, put in an envelope with name of inmate and name and dress of visitor,” guidelines stated.

“Eatables or sweets will t be accepted in any case and meetings between prisoners and visitors shall remain completely prohibited,” it stated.

prison authorities have been asked to ensure collection of Rakhi envelopes latest by 4 pm of August 1 after which y would be properly sanitised and handed over to inmates on August 3, day of festival.

order also mentioned that special meals should be provided to inmates on first Sunday of month in view of festival and warned of action in case of n-compliance of guidelines.

Im credits: PTI / Representative im