Bhubaneswar, July 29: Gobinda Chandra Nayak, 30, a convict in a rape case who has been serving his term in Jharpada jail since 2009, passed the matriculation examination this year in second division from the state board. Nayak is happy and wants to pursue higher studies.

“I quit studies after failing in Class X. But, jail authorities persuaded me to appear for the exam. I will pursue higher studies from behind the bar. I hope it will stand me in good stead when I go out,” said an elated Nayak.

The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), in collaboration with the prison authorities, has set up study centres in six jails to give a chance to more inmates to study while lodged in different jails of the state. In the next phase, these centres will be opened in 10 more jails. The state has around 13,000 prisoners lodged in 89 jails.

As part of the jail reforms, the authorities have begun distance education courses with the NIOS and are also providing vocational training to the inmates.

“This year, the NIOS has set up six centres in various jails in the state and the admission process has already started. Both undertrial and convicted prisoners will undergo the courses, which will help them pass matriculation and higher secondary,” said Pranabindu Acharya, inspector general of home guards and fire services, who had initiated the move when he was the inspector general of prisons and director of correctional services in Odisha.

The six centres have been opened in Balasore, Sambalpur, Angul, Koraput, Puri and Bhubaneswar jails. Sources in the NIOS said admission in these centres had already begun and around 124 prisoners took admission.

The NIOS courses will help the prisoners, who were school dropouts. Those, who wanted higher studies, had to go for the Indira Gandhi National Open University courses on distance learning basis and they will continue such way.

Regional director of the NIOS, Bhubaneswar centre, R.K. Rath said those, who could read and write, were eligible to appear for matriculation examination under the institute.

Rath said they would provide study materials to the inmates and conduct classes twice a week in jails. The medium of instruction will be either English or Odia, depending on requirements.

An NIOS official said they would introduce vocational training such as mobile repairing, plumbing and other activities in the next phase in jails.