Odisha Jail Fabrics Bag ‘Handloom Mark’

Sambalpur: The cotton fabrics produced by the inmates of Sambalpur circle jail here has received ‘Handloom Mark’ certificate from the Ministry of Textiles.

While the inmates produce cotton towels, bed sheets, handkerchiefs and other products, the tag will ensure that these fabrics are genuinely hand woven. Besides popularising the products, the tag will also help the authorities to sell the fabric items in India as well as abroad. The products are reportedly marketed by Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) after receiving them from the jail stall.

Jail Superintendent Amiya Patnaik feels that the ‘Handloom Mark’ certification would help the jail inmates earn more money and will encourage them to prepare more items.

“This tag will help the products get a wider publicity. We will take it to the Pallishree Mela in Sambalpur and other exhibitions. We will also contact e-commerce sites like Flipkart and Amazon and if they agree we will sell our product through these sites,” Patnaik said.

Speaking about the products, a customer said, “The cotton towels prepared in the jail are of good quality and the price is also reasonable. I buy it for me and my children on a regular basis.”