The Tihar Jail complex has added a unique facility to its premises — a gaushala (cowshed), inaugurated on Wednesday by lieutenant governor V. K. Saxena and Delhi home minister Ashish Sood.
At present, the cowshed is home to 10 cows, some purchased and others donated, and has room to accommodate 10 more. Officials stated that the Delhi government recently approved the proposal, and inmates from rural backgrounds may be involved in feeding and caring for the cattle.
He explained, "Our existing gaushalas have a total capacity of 19,800, yet over 21,800 animals are currently being sheltered. In such a situation, the new initiative at Tihar Jail may seem like a small beginning, but it marks a visionary step forward."
Calling the initiative a form of “cow therapy”, Sood described it as “a new ray of hope” for inmates dealing with loneliness: “This psychological approach can help eliminate the feeling of isolation.”
He added that he has proposed to the LG the establishment of a fully equipped, government-funded gaushala inside Tihar, saying, "This initiative would further strengthen our efforts, allowing the shelter, care, and service of a larger number of stray cattle."
Customers can now order Tihar’s bakery items directly to their homes. Sood said he will urge CM Rekha Gupta to present a proposal allowing all Delhi government offices to use Tihar Bakery products. "This initiative will not only boost Tihar Jail's revenue, but also uplift the morale of the inmates," he noted.
LG Saxena said the launch of both the gaushala and the digital bakery system represent important steps toward inmate rehabilitation and contribute to broader social improvement.
A jail official also highlighted a fresh collaboration initiative for civil society groups, stating, "NGOs can now register free of cost through this website, and after approval, they can begin their work immediately. This platform will make it easier for NGOs to collaborate, upload their activities online, and create a collective effort that benefits the inmates."
[With TOI inputs]
At present, the cowshed is home to 10 cows, some purchased and others donated, and has room to accommodate 10 more. Officials stated that the Delhi government recently approved the proposal, and inmates from rural backgrounds may be involved in feeding and caring for the cattle.
Addressing Stray Cattle Issues in Delhi
During the inauguration, Sood highlighted the growing challenge of abandoned and stray cattle in the city. He said that between January 1 and 19 alone, Delhi Police received 25,000 complaints regarding such animals.He explained, "Our existing gaushalas have a total capacity of 19,800, yet over 21,800 animals are currently being sheltered. In such a situation, the new initiative at Tihar Jail may seem like a small beginning, but it marks a visionary step forward."
Calling the initiative a form of “cow therapy”, Sood described it as “a new ray of hope” for inmates dealing with loneliness: “This psychological approach can help eliminate the feeling of isolation.”
He added that he has proposed to the LG the establishment of a fully equipped, government-funded gaushala inside Tihar, saying, "This initiative would further strengthen our efforts, allowing the shelter, care, and service of a larger number of stray cattle."
Digital Push for Tihar Products
In addition to the gaushala, Saxena and Sood also unveiled the digital integration of the Tihar Baking School, enabling products made by inmates to be sold online through platforms such as the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and My Store.Customers can now order Tihar’s bakery items directly to their homes. Sood said he will urge CM Rekha Gupta to present a proposal allowing all Delhi government offices to use Tihar Bakery products. "This initiative will not only boost Tihar Jail's revenue, but also uplift the morale of the inmates," he noted.
LG Saxena said the launch of both the gaushala and the digital bakery system represent important steps toward inmate rehabilitation and contribute to broader social improvement.
Smart Governance and NGO Collaboration Enhanced
Officials also announced the rollout of a new inventory management system, aimed at improving the handling of essential supplies such as food and medicines. The system enables real-time tracking, automated reorder alerts, and ensures greater transparency and efficiency within the prison administration.A jail official also highlighted a fresh collaboration initiative for civil society groups, stating, "NGOs can now register free of cost through this website, and after approval, they can begin their work immediately. This platform will make it easier for NGOs to collaborate, upload their activities online, and create a collective effort that benefits the inmates."
[With TOI inputs]
