From prison bakery to Republic Day plates: Parappana Agrahara inmates serve snacks at state ceremony

Bakery products prepared by inmates of Parappana Agrahara Central Prison have been selected for snacks at Bengaluru’s Republic Day celebrations, highlighting rehabilitation efforts even as the jail faces intense scrutiny.

The Republic Day celebrations at Manekshaw Parade Ground in Bengaluru will carry a unique and symbolic feature this year, as bakery products prepared by inmates of Parappana Agrahara Central Prison have been selected as the official snacks for the state-level ceremony.

The food items, made inside the prison bakery, will be served during the post-parade breakfast session, attended by the Chief Minister, senior officials, and dignitaries, as well as members of the public. The menu includes savoury puffs, traditional chow-chow, biscuits, and cookies, all prepared under strict quality supervision.

Officials said the initiative reflects the growing focus on skill development and rehabilitation of prisoners, allowing their work to reach a public platform on one of the most important national occasions. The inmates received specialised training in bakery preparation and quality standards, ensuring the products meet official requirements.

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The project is part of the Nava Sankalpa programme, a key reform initiative of the Karnataka Prisons and Correctional Services Department, aimed at equipping inmates with professional skills to support reintegration after release.

Confirming the development, Alok Kumar, Director General of Police, Prisons and Correctional Services, said that the bakery products made by Parappana Agrahara inmates will be part of the snacks served at the parade ground. He added that HCL company provided training to inmates to enhance product quality.

While the Republic Day catering highlights a positive rehabilitation effort, Parappana Agrahara Central Prison has recently been under close scrutiny. The jail has faced criticism over security lapses and allegations of VIP treatment for certain inmates.

In response, the department recently issued a strict circular banning all private cooked food for prisoners, aiming to curb illegal privileges and bring uniformity in jail administration. The move followed viral videos showing criminals accessing prohibited items, along with a system review pointing to overcrowding and surveillance gaps.