State Govt to start ‘jail tourism’ from January 26: Anil Deshmukh

 

 

Anil Deshmukh, Home Minister of Maharashtra, announced on Saturday that the State Government would start ‘jail tourism’ in the State from January 26. The initiative will be launched from Yerwada prison in Pune. “The prisons are witness to history and India’s freedom struggle. These will be now open for general public, to facilitate people to visit and see the prisons with historic significance from close quarters,” said Deshmukh, while addressing a press conference in city on Saturday. Uddhav Thackeray, Chief Minister; and Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister, will inaugurate the ‘jail tourism’ initiative at Yerwada Central Jail on Republic Day at 12 noon.

 

After that the initiative will cover other prisons in the State. This is the first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, Deshmukh said. During the Independence struggle of the country, the British rulers had imprisoned National leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Lokmanya Tilak, Motilal Nehru, Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Sarojini Naidu, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and others at various places.

 

Many leaders were imprisoned at Thane, Nashik, Dhule, and Ratnagiri. As far as Yerwada prison is concerned, the famous Pune Pact between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar was signed under a Mango tree in Gandhi Ward of the prison. Students of schools, colleges, universities, registered non-Government organisations and various other establishments, and other people will get a chance to visit these historical places and get a glimpse into the pre-Independence and post-Independence history of the country. The prison administration will take ample care to ensure that security is not violated and that miscreants do not gain entry as visitors, Deshmukh said. Also, COVID-19 related guidelines will be followed and only 50 visitors will be allowed daily. Guides will be provided to visitors and ticket prices will range from Rs 5/- to Rs 50/- per person.

 

Replying to a query over charges of rape against Dhananjay Munde, NCP leader and minister, Deshmukh said that the complainant woman had withdrawn her complaint. “The issue is over now. The woman has claimed that there was political pressure to file the false complaint. The allegations were politically motivated,” he added. On recruitment in Maharashtra Police, the Home Minister said that 5,300 of 12,500 posts would be filled in the first phase. The recruitment got delayed due to stay to Maratha reservation. “We discussed the issue with Maratha leaders and sought their support. They are co-operating now. The recruitment process would go ahead, he said. To another question, Deshmukh said, Maharashtra Government is seeking legal opinion on whether action could be taken against Arnab Goswami, Editor-in-Chief of Republic TV, under the Official Secrets Act over his purported WhatsApp chats concerning Balakot air strike. He said, “Central Government must explain how did Goswami get access to such sensitive information even before it happened.”

 

How to apply for ‘jail tourism’ The visitors will have to furnish name and other required details and photo identity proof while applying to visit the prisons as tourist. The applications may be e-mailed to yerwadacp-mh@gov.in or spycppune@gmail.com or may be submitted in person at Yerwada prison at least seven days ahead of proposed visit. The interested may contact Yerwada prison administration on telephone numbers 020-26682663 or 020-29702586 or contact the Additional Director General of Police and Inspector General (Prisons and Correctional Services), Pune. The visitors will not be allowed to carry food items, baggage, mobile phone, camera, water bottle, etc inside the prison. The prison administration will make arrangement for photography and videography. 

 

‘Guilty in Bhandara fire case to be booked if found negligent’ Replying to a question during the press conference Anil Deshmukh, Home Minister, on Saturday said that the forensic report into Bhandara hospital fire case, in which infants were killed, was expected soon. “Those found guilty of negligence would face action. A case would be filed against them,” he said.