Tihar Jail in Delhi has introduced an initiative, a new gaushala inside the prison complex that aims to preserve indigenous cow breeds and offer cow-assisted therapy to inmates dealing with loneliness and emotional stress.
Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena inaugurated the facility on Wednesday, along with three new digital initiatives designed to improve transparency, rehabilitation, and daily operations within the jail. He was accompanied by Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood.
Cow therapy for emotional support
The newly opened gaushala currently houses 10 cows, mainly of the Sahiwal breed. According to prison officials, the aim is to help inmates cope with emotional distress, reduce conflict, and promote compassion. Many prisoners rarely receive visits or calls from their families, which leaves them in a lonely state.
Director General (Prisons) S B K Singh explained that the idea was inspired by similar programmes abroad and in parts of India. “No one visits or calls some of our inmates. Such an initiative has been attempted in other countries as well. So, I thought we should attempt it here,” he was quoted by The Indian Express as saying.
In 2018, a form of cow therapy was tried in Haryana prisons, and countries like Sweden have also experimented with animal-assisted support in minimum-security jails.
Privilege for well-behaved inmates
The cow therapy programme will be available only to inmates with good conduct. Officials say the idea is to create a peaceful, positive environment within the prison and encourage behavioural improvement.
Tihar had previously tested the concept with a smaller pilot gaushala in Jail Nos 2 and 3. “This initiative positions Tihar as a centre of learning, compassion and transparency,” said a jail official.
Delhi minister Ashish Sood said that this is not just an administrative programme, but an important effort to advance social responsibilities with a scientific approach. He added that for inmates suffering from loneliness, cow therapy offers a new ray of hope. “It is a psychological method that can help eliminate loneliness,” he added.
“Between January 1 and 19 this year, Delhi Police received 25,000 complaints related to stray and abandoned cattle. While our existing gaushalas have a capacity to house 19,800 animals, more than 21,800 are already in shelters. In such a situation, the new initiative at Tihar Jail, where 10 cows have been given shelter so far, may seem like a small beginning, but it is a visionary step,” Sood said.
The gaushala is also designed to help inmates earn a livelihood. Tihar officials plan to produce and sell items such as ghee, buttermilk and puja materials.
Three digital initiatives unveiled
Along with the gaushala, L-G Saxena launched three tech-driven initiatives, including the digital integration of Tihar’s baking school, enabling its products to be sold online through the ONDC network and the ‘My Store’ platform.
Another initiative launched by L-G, an Inventory Management System, will enable real-time tracking and procurement of essential items such as food supplies and medicines.
A new website for NGOs working with Tihar was also unveiled. Officials said the NGOs can now register for free and upload details of their activities after approval. The platform is aimed at fostering collaboration among NGOs and strengthening rehabilitation efforts.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
