IGNOU to open study centre for inmates

Tribune News Service

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Jalandhar, March 12

Ushering new hopes for the jail inmates lodged behind walls of the Kapurthala Modern jail, the jail authorities have tied with the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) to open a study centre for jail inmates in the premises.

Jail Superintendent Surinder Pal Khanna said over 135 inmates got enrolled on the first day. “The expansion of academic qualifications is a boon for the prison culture since it is associated with positive outcomes for prisoners, including lower recidivism, improved self-esteem, and movement away from gang subcultures,” said Khanna.

He added that majority of the inmates are serving maximum sentences of less than eight years and will again wind up back in prison within few years. “The chances of an inmate not repeating the crime depends on whether he is returning to a stable family, whether he has a sound mental health or whether he is involved in any substance abuse.

“The most important way to keep them away from crime and prison life is to teach them skills or give them education to move on with their life,” added Khanna.

Among the inmates who have enrolled for IGNOU programmes, most of them have opted for skill development courses. Some had even enrolled for Bachelor’s degree programme.

According to Assistant Regional Director Kamlesh Meena, the formalities of opening an IGNOU study centre inside the jail premises have been completed. IGNOU has so far opened 2,300 study centres and has over 57 regional centres across India. Over 32 .45 lakhs students have so far enrolled themselves for the IGNOU courses across the world.