Open air gym for Kaushambi jail inmates

Prayagraj: The authorities of Kaushambi district jail have set up an open-air gym inside its park campus to promote physical health of inmates. Over 800 inmates lodged at the Kaushambi district jail will benefit from yoga, physical training, skill development, literacy, and other activities. "Earlier, the inmates were spotted lifting weights and using dumbbells and other instruments for exercise in halls," said Superintendent of Kaushambi district jail, Ajitesh Mishra adding, "This time eight instruments are being affixed to the ground and will not be detached. Maintaining vigilance will become easier for the jail staffers then."

Mishra said that open-air gym is open for the convicts and undertrial inmates. The jail staffers can also avail themselves of the facilities. They can use the gym as per the schedules, both in the morning and evening hours. "The idea behind an open-air gym is to motivate the inmates and jail staffers towards physical exercise and mental well-being," Mishra said. The state govt had last year approved a budget of ₹1.9 crore to set up open gyms in all 75 jails and sub-jails across the state, as well as a prison training centre in Lucknow. This initiative was aimed to enhance the physical and mental well-being of inmates lodged at all district and sub jails. In addition to the open gyms, the jail authorities have also set up digital libraries in around 35 UP jails including Kaushambi and Pratapgarh. These libraries were also aimed at promoting mental resilience, social behaviour, and moral values among inmates.