Bhagalpur central Jail
BHAGALPUR:The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has opened a study centre at central jail, Bhagalpur. It would cater to the learning needs of both literate and semi-literate prisoners. Aimed at reformation of undertrial prisoners as well as convicted inmates,
Already 185 jailbirds have been enrolled in different courses, while several others evinced interest in the literacy programme conducted by the IGNOU in collaboration of jail authorities. Interestingly, IGNOU is bearing all the expenses for conducting the courses for the prisoners. According to sources, the jail inmates would be taking admission to post-graduate, graduate, intermediate as well as other professional courses as per their qualifications.
For the less literate prisoners, IGNOU is offering innovative bachelor preparatory programme (BPP). Four inmates are taking admission in post-graduate, 18 in graduate, 125 in BPP and some others in other courses, said jail sources. BPP is offered to those students who wish to pursue bachelor's degree of IGNOU but have not cleared their intermediate or equivalent degree.
Jail sources said among the prisoners who have shown their keenness in pursuing one or the other courses include four hardcore Maoists, one prisoner who has been awarded capital punishment and some lifers.
Jitendra Kumar, superintendent of Central Jail and course coordinator of the study centre on Sunday said it was really is a big step towards reforming the prisoners. "By educating the prisoners, we can bring them into mainstream of society," he said and added jail inmates have not only shown their eagerness in getting enrolled for the courses of their choice but also are convinced that they can lead a normal life when they come out of the prison with a degree from a reputed university.
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