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Studies nudge inmates along path to redemption
Many prisoners at the high security Bangalore Prison at Parappanna Agrahara and Mysore Central Jail are making the most of their path to redemption. These prisoners have made their intention of wanting to study clear and believe in educating themselves, for a change.
In fact, more than 100 prisoners of Bangalore and Mysore jails have enrolled with the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) for which admissions concluded recently. These jailbirds have enrolled for post-graduate and undergraduate degrees to become eligible for white collar jobs.
According to BS Vishwanath, registrar of the Open University, more than 100 prisoners of Bangalore and Mysore jails have enrolled for both graduate and undergraduate courses. According to Vishwanath, the number was increasing and he expects it to grow further.
He said: “We have been approaching prisoners through jail officials to continue their studies through our university. The numbers are growing year after year.”
The university is planning to approach the remaining prisons in the State in view of the overwhelming response. “Last year, 21 out of 23 prisoners who wrote exams from Mysore prison passed. Around 44 convicts from Mysore Central Prison have registered for degree courses and more than 50 from Bangalore prison have applied for degrees. Prison authorities completed the admission formalities, including the payment of fees, which is borne by the Government”, said Vishwanath.
The Karnataka State Open University’s flexible criteria for prisoners to study have enthused and many have been encouraged to continue their education. According to university regulations, any person who has completed 18 years of age can enroll for degree courses even if he has not completed plus 2. The jail authorities are also providing necessary encouragement and related documents for these prisoners to join the degree courses.
The inmates will get study materials in a few weeks and there will be classes once a week or fortnight. The classes and exams will be held within the jail premises. While the study centre, opened at the Mysore prison last year, takes care of its prisoner-students, KSOU is planning to do the same in Bangalore as well.
According to Mysore Central Prison chief Superintendent Jayasimha, 40 prisoners have enrolled for BA, four for PG degrees — three in MA and one in MSc this year. According to him, `1.74 lakh has been paid towards their fee and 42 out of 44 are convicts and two under-trials.
Many prisoners at the high security Bangalore Prison at Parappanna Agrahara and Mysore Central Jail are making the most of their path to redemption. These prisoners have made their intention of wanting to study clear and believe in educating themselves, for a change.
In fact, more than 100 prisoners of Bangalore and Mysore jails have enrolled with the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) for which admissions concluded recently. These jailbirds have enrolled for post-graduate and undergraduate degrees to become eligible for white collar jobs.
According to BS Vishwanath, registrar of the Open University, more than 100 prisoners of Bangalore and Mysore jails have enrolled for both graduate and undergraduate courses. According to Vishwanath, the number was increasing and he expects it to grow further.
He said: “We have been approaching prisoners through jail officials to continue their studies through our university. The numbers are growing year after year.”
The university is planning to approach the remaining prisons in the State in view of the overwhelming response. “Last year, 21 out of 23 prisoners who wrote exams from Mysore prison passed. Around 44 convicts from Mysore Central Prison have registered for degree courses and more than 50 from Bangalore prison have applied for degrees. Prison authorities completed the admission formalities, including the payment of fees, which is borne by the Government”, said Vishwanath.
The Karnataka State Open University’s flexible criteria for prisoners to study have enthused and many have been encouraged to continue their education. According to university regulations, any person who has completed 18 years of age can enroll for degree courses even if he has not completed plus 2. The jail authorities are also providing necessary encouragement and related documents for these prisoners to join the degree courses.
The inmates will get study materials in a few weeks and there will be classes once a week or fortnight. The classes and exams will be held within the jail premises. While the study centre, opened at the Mysore prison last year, takes care of its prisoner-students, KSOU is planning to do the same in Bangalore as well.
According to Mysore Central Prison chief Superintendent Jayasimha, 40 prisoners have enrolled for BA, four for PG degrees — three in MA and one in MSc this year. According to him, `1.74 lakh has been paid towards their fee and 42 out of 44 are convicts and two under-trials.
