Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's recent comment that those who are corrupted would end up 'eating the government's food' has grabbed the headlines. This comment, hinting that corrupt officials and politicians would be locked behind the bars, came up whenever Keralites discussed about a number of current issues, from the Palarivattom flyover to the flats at Maradu. However, amid all these, many couldn’t help but wonder about the food that is served in the jails across the state.
All the jails have a common menu for each day and food would be prepared and served by the prisoners. The jail law states that prisoners who follow a vegetarian diet should be served curries that have vegetables in it, in generous portions. Food is served at the central, district and special sub jails according to the jail menu. Meanwhile, the menu at the open jail would be a bit different. The prisoners would be treated to special sadya (feast) on special occasions and festivals.
The food in the jails is served as per this menu: