Bishalgarh Central Correctional Centre, set up in 2013, has an installed capacity of housing 975 inmates including 50 women and 25 VIP detainees. It is one of the largest prison facilities of northeast India. To bring in new dimensions in correcting people who are behind the bars for some reason or other. Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) Chief Executive Officer Sudhakar Shinde, who served as Superintendent at Tripura Central Correctional Centre, Bishalgarh, started a model bakery at the correctional center. Based on the idea of this bakery, the Directorate of Industries and Jail authorities came up with an idea of having a city-based store for their products.

Finally, the project was approved and it was decided that the prison authorities would look after the manufacture and quality control of food. Many SHG voluntary organisations have come forward to render their services. Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) and Tripura Correctional Station (TRICOS) – official manager of the Central Correctional Home, Bishalgarh, have come together to start the bakery joint at Agartala City Centre and has taken the initiative to offer food prepared by the jail inmates from the jail’s kitchen. 

Within a maximum range of Rs 40, one has a variety to be offered. The menu includes twenty food items and three beverages with a  host of patties and pastries, buns, cakes, loafs, , biscuits and donuts. The most surprising part is that one has the opportunity to grab a cappuccino as cheap as 25 bucks, a latte at 20 and a cup of tea at Rs. 10. The bakery is mainly managed by two Self Help Groups. Anuradha and Khairunnissa Bibi, both SHG volunteers from villages. The raw materials are supplied by these groups and finished products from the jail’s kitchen are sold in the bakery.

Tripura Correctional Station (TRICOS)-Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) Bakery Joint at Agartala City Centre was inaugurated by the Deputy Chief Minister Jishnu Devvarma. He found the initiative quite fascinating. The authorities have also set up a pool table and maintain a nice ambiance for people to enjoy. Out of the profit earned, 30% will be given to the Self Help Groups(SHG). Inspector General of Tripura Police (Prisons) Jaideep Nair has assured that all food items manufactured at the jail go through a rigorous quality control check, eliminating the risk of food contamination.

The main aim of this project was to give an opportunity to the convicts to learn new trades and return back to normal life as changed persons.