A recent decision by the Kerala government to increase the wages paid to prison inmates has led to a political and public controversy across the State. On January 9, the State Home Department issued an order to sharply increase the daily wages of inmates who work inside prisons. This was the first wage revision in seven years. Officials explained that paying fair wages to inmates is part of their rehabilitation and is supported by Supreme Court guidelines. They said work and wages help prisoners learn skills, earn some money and prepare for life after their release.