Will mutton disappear from Kerala prison menus? Inmates protest possible change

Prisoners in Kerala jails have a special liking for Saturdays, when rice and mutton are served as part of their regular meal. However, there is now uncertainty over whether mutton will continue to remain on the prison menu.

Prison DGP S Sreejith has said that authorities are considering removing mutton from the inmates’ food menu. The possibility has reportedly triggered anger and dissatisfaction among prisoners, with the issue becoming a major topic of discussion in prison blocks and cells.

Some inmates have already expressed their objections to prison authorities. Prisoners in several jails are reportedly organising against the proposed move, with some threatening to go on hunger strike if mutton is removed from the menu.

Government agencies responsible for supplying mutton sometimes fail to deliver it on time. Such delays have reportedly led to confrontations between prisoners and prison officials.

The intelligence wing has also prepared a report stating that removing mutton from the menu could create problems inside prisons. Health concerns and the high cost of mutton are among the reasons being considered for removing it.

Sreejith has said that the matter will be examined and a report will be submitted to the government before any decision is taken.

Mutton has been part of prison meals since 1967

Mutton was introduced into prison food in 1967. Initially, 57 grams was provided to each prisoner, which was later increased to 71 grams.

Since 2014, prisoners have been provided with 100 grams of boneless mutton.

There is now a suggestion that chicken could be provided instead of mutton. Meat was included in prison meals to help maintain the physical fitness of inmates. Prison rules require the diet to provide adequate calories and ensure that prisoners do not lose body weight because of insufficient nutrition.

Vegetarian food is also available for inmates who do not want to eat meat.

Mutton replaced dried fish

The history of mutton in Kerala prisons goes back to the period before the formation of the state.

Dried fish was previously served to prisoners. In 1952, the first prison reform commission of the erstwhile Thiru-Kochi state, headed by Justice Sankaranarayana Ayyar, recommended mutton as a replacement for dried fish.

The change came at a time when dried fish was in high demand.

Mutton subsequently became a regular part of prison meals and has remained on the menu for nearly six decades. The possibility of removing it has now triggered opposition among inmates, even as prison authorities examine the cost, health and supply-related concerns surrounding its continued provision.