Authorities in Chhattisgarh’s correctional facilities have made the decision to add the Panchjanya and Organiser magazines, which are linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), to the libraries available for inmates.
The prison libraries presently host a variety of books and publications on many topics. Himanshu Gupta, the State Director General (Jail), noted during a visit that these jails currently lack the Panchjanya and Organiser magazines.
He instructed prison officials to ensure that the magazines are included in all 33 prisons across the state, which comprises five central jails, 20 district jails, and eight sub-jails, as reported by the New Indian Express.
According to the Director General, this initiative aims to aid in the rehabilitation of prisoners by providing them with proper guidance, enhancing their knowledge, and fostering mental development. The report indicates that this will enable inmates to reintegrate into mainstream society.
The addition of these magazines is expected to raise awareness among inmates about traditional Indian culture and foster a sense of patriotism, according to jail officials.
Typically, jail authorities acquire newspapers, magazines, and books for the library on a monthly basis. On average, each prison library provides one newspaper and one magazine for every 50 inmates, as stated by officials.
This initiative has sparked responses from both the Congress and the BJP. The Congress party expressed that the public does not wish to engage with the divisive views and harmful propaganda propagated by the Panchjanya and Organiser, which are supported by the RSS.
Congress leader Sushil Anand Shukla was quoted in the report, stating, “The RSS acts as the ideological guide for the BJP. The ruling BJP in Chhattisgarh will misuse taxpayer funds under the pretense of providing these two weekly magazines in each jail.”
Chhattisgarh’s Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Vijay Sharma mentioned to India Today, “It’s crucial for inmates to remain in touch with the outside world, particularly regarding Sanatana Dharma, which is why the libraries will include books on a range of topics. These magazines will be added alongside other literature.”
