‘Prisoners get better food than jail wardens’

[LRE]

‘Prisoners get better food than jail wardens’

LAHORE: After an increase in the daily dietary funds of prisoners from Rs 19.57 to Rs 50 ordered by the chief minister (CM), the quality of food for prison inmates is much better than that of the wardens.

Wishing to remain anonymous, the wardens posted at the Kot Lakhpat Central Jail and Camp Jail told APP on Friday that the prisoners were getting a better deal since the CM had increased the dietary expenditures of all 63,657 prisoners with effect from August 1. The jail doctors had been ordered to check the quality of the food before it was cooked and served.

However, they said that the condition of the wardens’ mess was deplorable and they have no option but to eat the tasteless food everyday as no subsidy has been provided for them. They said that no one could imagine the tough duty they perform as they patrol continuously without any break.

The revised menu for prisoners includes chicken for four days, beef for two days, and the best quality basmati rice. The morning and evening tea is prepared with tetrapack milk, while breakfast includes parathas along with a sweet drink in the summer. The warders complained that while the government spends at least one billion rupees annually on this project, no efforts have been made for their welfare.

They said that prison wardens are part of the neglected segment of society and demanded an increase in their food allowance and provision of residential facilities for their families. They said that it was previously decided that the salary of wardens would be brought at par with that of the police, but nothing has been done so far.

They said that it was impossible to survive with their pay, keeping inflation in mind. app

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...008_pg13_6