Jail inmates can now study to become Degree holder

Mysore, Apr 28 (UNI) An unique program was launched today to enable the inmates in Mysore Central Jail to study and become Degree holders.

The program, a State government initiative, was being implemented with inputs from Bangalore University Directorate of Correspondence Courses and Distance Education.

Karnataka Minister for Cooperation G T Deve Gowda distributed the learning materials to the inmates at a simple function.

Jail Chief Superintendent M S Suresh Babu, speaking on the occasion said that so far nearly 55 inmates have registered their names to take up the Distance Education in which nine of them have opted for a Master Degree courses. The entire cost would be borne by the Department of Prisons. Bangalore University has opened a teaching centre in the premises of the central prison here to conduct contact programs and for regular teaching. The University would give the degree certificate directly to the successful candidates, he added.

Out of 55 who have already enrolled for different courses, 35 are convicts including a lady and others undertrials. There are 24 for BA degree two for BBM, one for Bcom, nine for MA and others for Diploma Courses. Another 30 intended to enroll. For those who study in the scheme, in order to enable them to interact among themselves and facilitate group studies, they would be housed in the same barrack, all facilities would be provided to them to study comfortably.

Bangalore University Distance Education Director Prof Mylarappa said that in all about 800 inmates of various jails in the State have enrolled to 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/ST Development Corporation, Leather Industries Development Corporation of Karnataka.

UNI