Patna, May 15 (IANS): Inmates of a Bihar jail are being trained to play different musical instruments, officials said on Friday.

A music training programme was launched early this month at Bhagalpur central jail to reform the inmates.

"At present, 15 inmates are learning to play musical instruments and more would join soon," jail superintendent Neeraj Jha said.

Inmates are showing keen interest in learning to play diverse instruments including harmonium, synthesizer and drums. They are also composing songs and singing.

As of now they receive the training once a week, but the frequency will soon be increased, Jha said.

Training in music has changed their behaviour and body language, he said.

Jha said that a music competition would be held among the inmates and the winners would be given awards to boost their confidence.

According to another jail official, music has been proving an easy tool to reform the inmates and also a source of entertainment.

Nearly two years ago, Patna's central Beur jail started a music training programme for inmates following a state home department initiative. It proved to be a hit.