Bhubaneswar: It was a unique democratic ceremony within prison walls. “I, Rohit Pradhan, do swear in the name of God that I will faithfully discharge my duties as a prison sardar and will not encourage the entry of narcotic substances in jail, nor any other illegal activities…,” a 33-year-old murder convict of Jharpada special prison here recited the oath after being elected to the post in the ‘jail panchayat council’ on Sunday.
Similar ceremonies were held across 87 prisons in the state, with several inmates taking oaths following their wins in jail panchayat elections, which started last week and concluded on different dates by Monday.
The lesser-known annual electoral practice within jails follows standard democratic procedures, including nominations, verification, campaigning, voting and oath-taking ceremony. As per the Odisha jail manual, ‘jail panchayats’ begin their annual tenure every April 1, coinciding with the new financial year.
Elected representatives oversee four key areas — kitchen operations, food distribution, maintaining cleanliness and organisation of recreational activities for fellow prisoners. “The jail panchayat elections were conducted transparently, aiming to empower inmates through direct involvement in managing crucial prisoner-related activities. It fosters a sense of responsibility and democratic values among inmates,” director general (prisons) Arun Ray told TOI.
Bhubaneswar (Jharpada) special jail’s senior superintendent Manoranjan Pratihari said that only disciplined and well-behaved convicts could contest the polls. “Voting occurred through secret ballots, with all 1,019 inmates, including convicts and under-trial prisoners, participating, achieving 100% turnout at our jail on Sunday,” Pratihari said.
Contestants were permitted campaigning for a day on the jail premises to seek votes from fellow inmates. Authorities ensured no intimidation or violence occurred during the entire electoral process. Angul circle jail’s senior superintendent Biren Sahoo said that candidates received symbols such as mango, kettle, apple, umbrella and fish. They presented their prisoner welfare visions during ‘Why I Stand For’ meetings.
“The jail panchayats enable prisoners to voice their concerns and seek solutions. Inmates approach their elected representatives to communicate their grievances,” Sahoo stated. Elected representatives will hold regular meetings with jail authorities to discuss various issues affecting the prison community.
The kitchen sardar ensures proper food quality, hygiene standards and fair distribution among inmates. “Our role involves daily inspection of kitchen facilities, checking food quality and ensuring equal portions for everyone. We will supervise regular cleaning drives and maintain sanitation protocols on the prison premises. The recreational committee arranges cultural programmes, sports events and skill development activities,” a jail officer in Bhubaneswar said, quoting an elected prisoner.