New directive bans outside food for fasting prisoners, cites security and health concerns
JAIPUR – The Rajasthan government has issued a new order ahead that stops individuals and organisations from directly providing Iftar and Sehri meals during Ramadan to Muslim prisoners in jails across the state.
Under the directive, all food items for Ramadan must now be purchased through authorised consumer stores located inside prisons. No outside food or goods will be accepted within the jail premises.
The order, issued by the prison headquarters earlier this month, applies to all eight central jails, 28 district jails, sub-jails, women’s correctional homes, high-security prisons, open jails and juvenile homes in the state.
According to the written instructions, donors and community organisations who wish to support Muslim inmates during Ramadan must place their orders at the prison’s authorised store. The store will arrange the items, collect payment directly from the donor and distribute the food to prisoners through the jail administration.
Previously, many social and religious organisations would visit prisons and hand over fruits, dates and packaged food items directly for Iftar. Several groups were recently turned away and asked to take their supplies back.
The order clearly states that no outside food will be allowed inside the jail premises.
Director General (Prisons) Ashok Rathod defended the move, saying the decision was in line with existing rules. “There’s nothing wrong with the order,” he said. “There have always been some restrictions on outside food. From a security and safety perspective, outside food cannot be completely trusted.”
He added, “Donors can still contribute. They just need to purchase the items through the authorised jail store. The department will ensure that the food is properly distributed.”
Officials say the step is meant to maintain security, prevent the entry of banned items and ensure food safety standards inside prisons.
However, the decision has caused concern among Muslim organisations, who say the new system may affect the quality and nutritional value of food given to fasting inmates.
Ilyas Qureshi, Vice-President of Jamiat-ul-Quresh, said that community groups usually prepare special Iftar packets for prisoners.
“These packets include dates, fresh fruits, snacks and drinks,” he said. “Such arrangements cannot be made possible through departmental stores, as it may be difficult to replicate the variety and nutritional value typically offered in community-organised Iftar packets.”
He added that fasting for long hours requires proper nutrition. “We are worried that the required items may not be available in prison stores.”
Abdul Salam Johar, President of the Progressive Muslim Alliance, also raised practical concerns.
“Sehri and Iftar meals require specific and nutritious items suitable for those fasting throughout the day,” he said. “It may be challenging to manage these needs under the new system.”
Ramadan is the holy month during which Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. Depending on the season, fasting can last between 13 and 15 hours a day. During this time, the body depends heavily on proper Sehri (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (meal at sunset).
Community leaders say that prisoners, who already live in restricted conditions, may face added difficulty if they do not receive balanced and suitable food during the fast.
One community representative said on condition of anonymity, “For many inmates, these Iftar packets are not just food. They are a reminder that the community has not forgotten them.”
Some social groups believe the new order raises questions about religious freedom and the right to choose food during a sacred month.
A local activist said, “The department says this is about security. But the timing during Ramadan makes it sensitive. The government must ensure that prisoners’ religious needs are respected.”
Prison officials maintain that the order does not stop Iftar arrangements, but only changes the process of supply.
Ashok Rathod reiterated, “People can still arrange Iftar for inmates. They just have to follow the proper channel.”
Muslim organisations have called for flexibility and better coordination to ensure that fasting prisoners receive appropriate food without compromising security.
For now, Muslim inmates in Rajasthan are observing Ramadan under the new system, with all Iftar and Sehri supplies routed strictly through authorised jail stores.
