Jaipur: Rajasthan’s Directorate General of Prisons Monday revised its Ramzan food-supply rules, allowing iftar supplies to inmates through a single authorised representative from the Muslim community, after delegations met Director General (Prisons) Ashok Rathore seeking changes to a Feb 17 order that had barred deliveries from multiple individuals or organisations.The Feb 17 directive had told jail authorities not to accept iftar materials from multiple sources and said interested parties could distribute items through designated department stores within prisons. Muslim groups objected, saying it hindered inmates from observing fasts. TOI had reported the issue on Feb 23 in “Raj Bans Direct Iftar, Sehri Food Deliveries to Muslim Inmates.”In the fresh directive, the department said the authorised representative must coordinate in advance with jail authorities, inform officials ahead of the supply date and share details of items to be distributed. The representative must also submit a written declaration taking full responsibility for the quality and safety of the food and stating that no prohibited substances are included.“This intervention is aimed at ensuring that no misuse is made of the special permission granted only for the period of Ramzan. The person must give an undertaking so that accountability can be fixed. This is being done for the safety of the inmates,” Rathore told TOI.The order also provides for arrangements to facilitate early prayers while ensuring other inmates are not inconvenienced.Jail authorities have been told not to accept any materials if the guidelines are not followed, but the directive adds that if supplies are provided strictly as per the Feb 17 instructions, the department will have no objection.Earlier in the day, Kishanpole MLA Amin Kagzi said the Feb 17 directive effectively restricted Muslim organisations from delivering sehri and iftar to inmates, depriving them of proper meals during Ramzan.Muslim organisations welcomed the revised arrangement. Illyas Qureshi, vice president of Jamiat-Ul-Quresh, said, “This concession will help ensure that Muslim inmates, as well as several non-Muslim inmates who also observe fasting, receive proper meals during Ramzan.”
