K'taka: Distance education launched for prisoners

Mysore, Apr 29: A unique programme was launched to enable the inmates in Mysore Central Jail to study and become degree holders.

This was a state government initiative implemented with inputs from Bangalore University Directorate of Correspondence Courses and Distance Education.

Karnataka Co-operation Minister G T Deve Gowda distributed the learning materials to the inmates at a simple function yesterday.

Speaking on the occasion, Jail Chief Superintendent M S Suresh Babu said a total of nearly 55 inmates had registered their names to take up the distance education in which nine of them had opted for a Master's Degree courses.

The entire cost would be borne by the Department of Prisons.

Bangalore University had opened a teaching centre in the premises of the Central Prison to conduct contact programmes for regular teaching. The University would give the degree certificate directly to successful candidates.

Out of 55 who had already enrolled for different courses, 35 were convicts, including a woman and others were under trials. There were 24 for Bachelor of Arts, two for BBM, one for Bcom, nine for MA and others for diploma courses. Another 30 intended to enroll.

Those who study in the scheme would be housed in the same barrack and all facilities would be provided for them to study comfortably.

Bangalore University Distance Education Director Mylarappa said about 800 inmates of various jails in the state had enrolled in various courses.

As a result of the initiative taken by Assistant Director General of Police S T Ramesh, 58 inmates who were set free last year on account of good conduct, have all been rehabilitated in various agencies such as SC and ST Development Corporation and Leather Industries Development Corporation of Karnataka.

UNI