No, this is not a jail break story, as the headline might suggest. It is about a legitimate, and laudable, joint initiative by the Lions and Lioness Clubs in the city to help release cash-strapped prisoners in the Mysore jail. They  were the beneficiaries of the August 15 amnesty announced by the government for early release of selected prisoners on our national days.

The release of 17 such prisoners in the Mysore jail was announced on Aug.15, but the order could not be carried out because the prisoners could not clear the fine imposed at the time of their convictions. The fines due ranged between Rs.200 and Rs.5,000, according to Ln. T V Raghottam Rao(second from left in Photo). With no money to pay fine, the prisoners were reconciled to serve out an additional term in jail. This is when the Lions clubs in the city stepped in, to collect the required amount (Rs.25,200) that would help the prisoners secure their freedom.

What’s is significant is that a Builders Association of India (BAI) spokesman, who is also in the Lions club movement, announced that BAI members would consider eligible ex-convicts for employment. This is a generous gesture, considering that not many employers are amenable to giving jobs for those who have served a jail term.