Ranchi, Feb. 23: Knowledge can breach any barrier, even the high walls of a prison to reach those who aspire for it.
Inmates of three jails in Jharkhand will soon have access to university education. Buoyed by the overwhelming response to the Indira Gandhi National Open University (Ignou) study centre in the capital, the local Ignou authority has decided to set up study centres in three jails — Ranchi, Dhanbad and Hazaribagh.
Besides, the university has also decided to expand the network of general study centres at Deoghar, Chhatra, Pakur and Simdega. The regional authorities have written to the headquarters in New Delhi for approval.
Ignou regional director V.P. Rupam told The Telegraph: “We decided to set up study centres in jails after we received feelers from the inmates of various jails. They expressed their willingness to further their education and get university degrees. We are trying to take education to the undertrials so that they can enrich their lives. Our contention is that if we want a convict to change after completing his jail term, it is our responsibility to provide a conducive atmosphere inside the prison itself,’’ he added.
“As soon as we receive a green signal from the Ignou central authorities, we will forward our application along with a detailed education programme structure for the inmates to the state government for final approval,’’ he said.
According to Rupam, the Jharkhand government should not have any problems in setting up the study centres as many other places like Bangalore and Delhi’s Tihar jail have also done the same.
Explaining the selection of jails, Rupam said: “We have selected three major jails because they are centrally located and it will be easier for us to arrange for regular classes and provide study material. Besides, these jails also house the maximum number of inmates.”
“About six inmates of Buxar Central Jail in Bihar are pursuing distant education programmes in our centre. They have sent feelers about opening study centres on their premises. However, we will ensure that they are transferred from Buxar to any of the jails in Jharkhand after our study centres come up,” he added.
A prisoner at Ranchi jail said an Ignou centre would be a boon for those who are interested in higher studies. “It will give us a direction in life, keep us engaged and will help in the rehabilitation process after we complete jail term. After all, it is always difficult to start life afresh after being released from jail. A university degree can always give us a headstart,’’ he said.
