Rajasthan bans direct iftar, sehri food deliveries to Muslim inmates, orders Ramzan supplies via prison stores

JAIPUR: Rajasthan's prisons department has barred individuals and organisations from directly delivering iftar and sehri food to Muslim inmates, ordering that all Ramzan supplies be bought and distributed only through authorised prison consumer stores.

The directive surfaced after several Muslim organisations trying to deliver iftar materials during Ramzan were reportedly turned back and told to take the items away. Social and religious groups have traditionally provided fruits, dates and packaged food to inmates observing the fast.


Under the order issued by prison headquarters on Feb 17, donors must place orders with the consumer store inside the jail. The store will procure the items, take payment directly from the donor, and send supplies to inmates through the prison administration. The order says no outside food items will be accepted as "gifts" inside jail premises.

The directive applies across Rajasthan to all central, district and sub-jails, including women's correctional homes, special central jails, high-security prisons, open jails and juvenile homes. Rajasthan has eight central prisons, 28 district prisons and several sub-district prisons.

Speaking to TOI, Director General (Prisons), Ashok Rathore, said the move follows existing rules. "There is nothing wrong with the order. Certain restrictions on outside food always existed. Food from outside sources cannot be fully trusted from a security and safety standpoint," Rathore said. He added that donors can still host meals by purchasing items from designated prison stores, and the department will ensure distribution.

Vice-president of Jamiet-Ul-Quresh, Illyas Qureshi, said groups typically prepare iftar packets with dates, fruits, snacks and beverages. "Such arrangements may not be possible through departmental stores, as the variety and nutritional value usually provided in community-organised iftar packets could be difficult to replicate," he said.

Community representatives also raised concerns over the practical implications of the new system. President of the Progressive Muslim Alliance, Adul Salam Johar, said Sehri and Iftar meals require specific and nutritionally adequate items suited for those fasting throughout the day.