Kerala’s jail department has partnered with Matsyafed to supply a greater range of fish to the state’s 56 prisons, addressing long-standing complaints about limited options for inmates.
An order issued on April 22 by Deputy Inspector General T.R. Rajeev directed authorities to inform Matsyafed of daily fish requirements for the 2026-27 financial year. A dedicated web portal has been launched to facilitate the process. Fish supply is expected to begin in May.
Previously, prison societies procured fish locally through tenders, which sometimes left supplies unavailable. Under the new arrangement, Matsyafed will deliver fish directly from harbours in refrigerated vehicles. Approved varieties include sardine, mackerel, tuna and other common species, cut into curry-sized pieces.
Prisoners currently receive fish curry on Mondays and Wednesdays, and mutton curry on Saturdays. Each inmate is entitled to 200 grams of rice for lunch and dinner. The 56 prisons house 10,716 inmates, with remand and undertrial prisoners forming the majority.
