Inmates of Beur Central Jail would soon start a muscial journey to take on their Tihar counterparts in New Delhi.

Since February, the jail has been training several prisoners in music.

The jail resonates with melody, as several prisoners receive training in music five days a week, including Sunday. If a 12-year term could bring out the writer in don-turned-politician Pappu Yadav, these prisoners, too, stand a chance of picking up nuances of the art form. The inspectorate of prisons and correctional services under the home department is all set to start music lessons in 21 other jails of the state. At present, 43 inmates and convicts at Beur are being tutored.

Once the training is complete, an orchestra, comprising selected prisoners from all jails would be formed to perform during state co-ordinated events. Inspector-general (IG), prisons, Anand Kishore said the musical training plan had been sanctioned for other prisons.

“Once the prisoners become proficient in music, the department will conduct inter-state competitions. The aim is to select the best among them and create an orchestra group. This group would then be taken to the major prisons, like Tihar Jail, to compete with their musical bands. The band from our prisons will perform on Republic Day or Independence Day events. The aim is to spot their talents and bring them to the forefront,” a department official said.

“The prisoners are being taught to play harmoniums, synthesisers, drums, flutes and other instruments. Vocal training is also being provided. It was started at Beur Central Jail and now the plan is being extended. The department intends to let prisoners take part in various events,” the official said.

Officials said the required instruments had already reached the prisons and the trainers had been finalised.