Bengaluru, 21 April

A Right to Information (RTI) query has revealed that the Karnataka government allocates just Rs 85 per day for food served to each prisoner across the State’s prisons. This raises concerns about nutritional standards and inmate welfare.

This was revealed after an RTI was filed by City-based activist Narasimhamurthy. He wrote a formal complaint to the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC), demanding immediate action and a revision of the prison food budget.

According to the RTI response issued by the Central Prisons Department, this allocation is expected to cover three meals a day — breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, it raises questions about the quality of meals served, especially for inmates with medical or dietary needs.

The meal reportedly includes ganji (rice gruel), rice with sambar, and occasionally a vegetable dish. Non-vegetarian food is served only once a week. Incidentally, wealthier inmates enjoy better food and reportedly even food of their choice.

Speaking to Salar News, former inmates described the meals as insufficient and rigidly timed. While Breakfast between 7.15 am and 8.30am, lunch is from 11am to 1.30pm, and dinner between 5:15 pm and 5.45pm. After dinner, no food is available until breakfast the next day, resulting in a 14-hour overnight gap without nourishment.

“If you miss a meal because you’re sick or delayed, there’s no second chance,” said former inmate Ramesh from Ramanagara district. “I’ve gone to sleep hungry more times than I can count.”

Another ex-inmate from Bidar echoed the sentiment, noting that food often arrived late or in smaller portions on days when fights break out. “Jail isn’t just about three meals and a roof. It’s often far less.”

Narasimhamurthy criticised the stark contrast between prisoner welfare and government spending.

“Prisoners are still human beings and deserve basic, nutritious food, this deprivation is unacceptable,” he told Salar News. He has urged the KSHRC to intervene and direct the Prison Department to revise its budget.

The Commission is expected to take cognisance of the complaint in the coming days.