Agra, Oct 24 (IANS): Officials of the central jail here Thursday opened a retail counter in a busy commercial complex in the city to sell a sweetmeat, 'petha', made by the jail inmates.

"This certainly is a major initiative of the Agra jail, and will go a long way in bridging the gap and removing the stigma and bitterness," said Lok Swar president Rajiv Gupta.

Agra is famous for its Taj Mahal, the marble monument to love, and petha, the translucent, soft sweetmeat made from the ash gourd which is also known as white pumpkin, or simply petha in Hindi and Urdu.

The NGO Satya Mev Jayate provides the back-up support to the initiative.

Jail officials said three quintals of petha can be made daily, which could go up if there is a demand.

"A large number of inmates are waiting to learn petha making skills and join the commercial activity," said jail superintendent B.R.Sharma.

Jail petha counters in the past have been opened at special events and have been profitable.