The Shrunkhala Canteen, operated by inmates of the Yerawada Central Jail, has emerged as a successful venture, generating a monthly profit of ₹10-12 lakh.
Since its inauguration on August 8, 2023, the eatery has gained popularity among IT professionals and office-goers near the Commerzone IT Park in Yerawada.
Officials said that the canteen is spread over one acre within the open jail premises, employing 35 inmates who have been rehabilitated and display good behaviour.
These inmates receive daily wages based on their skill level: ₹74 for skilled workers, ₹68 for semi-skilled and ₹50 for unskilled workers.
Speaking about the meals, an officer said, "Shrunkhala Canteen serves pohe, upma, idli, medu vada, masala dosa and uttapam for breakfast, traditional Maharashtrian meals for lunch and popular snacks like bhajji and vada pav in the evening. The restaurant operates from 7am to 7:30pm, except on Sundays, catering to hundreds of customers daily. The canteen also offers home delivery services."
Based on anonymity, one of the inmates, revealed, "I have been booked in a murder case and have spent 15 years of my life in jail. However, due to good behaviour, I got a chance to work in the canteen. I collect my daily wages and send them to my family for my daughter's education."
Meanwhile, amid the recent outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), Jalindar Supekar, Special Director General of Police (Prisons and Correctional Services), said instructions have been given to the staff to provide boiled water to the inmates to prevent infections.
