Hindalga prison steps forward to stitch masks for newspaper hawkers

Shreyas HS | Apr 6, 2020, 04:00 IST

Belagavi: That Covid-19 infection has sent the Indian economy into a tailspin is an acknowledged fact today. But help for many an ailing sector is coming from unexpected quarters, and one such instance is the Hindalga Central Prison offering to make and provide masks for newspaper hawkers to help the print media in a time of considerable distress.
Misinformation about newspapers spreading the Covid-19 infection on various social media portals has resulted in many readers growing apprehensive about picking them up. Consequently, representatives of various newspapers convened a meeting with agents and vendors of Belagavi district, also attended by officials of the government, wherein it was resolved to provide masks, surgical gloves and hand sanitisers to all the hawkers to allay any niggling fears in the minds of the readers.
Across Belagavi district, there are around 300 individuals employed by various vendors and agents to deliver newspapers, and the decision to equip them with the necessary safety gear will help convince the readers of the precautions being taken to keep newspapers safe.
Belagavi deputy commissioner SB Bommanahalli asked the agents to place an order for masks from the Hindalga Central Prison. Inmates of the prison have been stitching masks for the past ten days, which are currently being used by the cops, he said. “The pharmacies do not have enough masks and the district administration cannot provide the safety equipment as a result. Under such circumstances, getting masks from Hindalga prison is a good alternative,” Bommanahalli said.
Mahantesh Patil,a newspaper agent in Belagavi, said that providing masks and gloves will make their hawkers feel a lot safer. “We will approach authorities at Hindalga to buy masks. The authorities are offering them at a very nominal price of Rs 6 or Rs 7, which will make it easier for us to purchase and also ensure our operations remain viable,” Patil added.
Chief superintendent of police (prisons) Krishna Kumar confirmed to TOI that Hindalga jail could provide sufficient number of masks for the hawkers. “This way, we will also join the battle against the misinformation campaign. U have asked our skilled inmates to start stitching more masks so we can meet the demand soon,” Kumar added.
The senior police official said that manufacturing 300 masks was not in the least an onerous task for the inmates. “These masks are being stitched from cotton, and we will charge a minimal price. We have already distributed 30 masks stitched at the prison to journalists in Belagavi,” Kumar said.
The inmates are being taught tailoring under the skill development programme at the prison to enable them to lead a life of dignity once they are freed.