A mind can be trained anywhere, even behind bars. With this thought in view, Gurgaon’s Bhondsi jail has undertaken an initiative to educate its inmates. To this end, the prison department has started a survey on the educational background of the inmates.
Based on the data thus gathered, the inmates will be encouraged to enroll for further studies. For instance, if an inmate has studied till Class X, he will be encouraged to appear for Class XII exams through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
The department has ensured that inmates are not charged for the forms or the registration.
“Earlier, the inmates had to pay fees for applying through NIOS, and so many were unable to take the test. To ensure maximum participation, we have waived off the charges,” confirmed Jai Kishan Chillar, superintendent jail, Bhondsi.
Undergraduates can appear for exams through Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).
“The survey will also tell us about inmates who are professionally qualified — who can take the lead in teaching the others. Once we have gathered the data, we will form a faculty and a timetable. It will be circulated among the inmates who have enrolled for the classes,” added the jail superintendent.
Those who enroll for the courses will be relieved from other jail duties, and allotted time for studies.
The classes will happen from 9 am to 1 pm, after which there’ll be a two-hour break for lunch and rest. Classes will resume again from 3 pm to 5 pm. A school will operate from the jail premises, and the principal and faculty will be formed from within the inmates. The most qualified inmate, with leadership skills, would be appointed the principal.
“Our intent is to ensure that inmates utilise their time while in jail, so when they are released they are qualified and can have job opportunities. We are certainly not forcing the inmates, but we will sensitise them towards the benefits. Age is no bar for education, and we’ll try to ensure no inmate remains illiterate,” iterated Chillar.
