Wearing ceremonial convocation gowns, the inmates of Burail Jail received degrees and certificates on Tuesday in a first-of-its kind convocation cum certificate distribution programme organised in Burail Jail here.
In a unique convocation organised by the jail authorities, as many as 124 prisoners were awarded degrees and certificates by UT Additional Inspector General of Prisons Balbir Singh Dhol.
Balbir Singh Dhol, who was the chief guest at the convocation ceremony informed that degree and certificates awarded to the inmates included IGNOU- Bachelor Degree (3), MECI (1), MAH (1), BDPI (1), BPP (21), CHR (07), DTS (01). Adult Education Chandigarh- Class I to VIII (35) and Jan Shikshan Sansthan- Plumbing and sanitary work (11), Baking and Food Preservation (17) and Fabric Painting (26).
He said, “Many inmates had completed their Bachelor as well as Master degree in the past but no ceremonial function was held. The programme will act as a motivation tool for other inmates. It will seek positive behavioral changes among the inmates. More and more inmates will want to follow the way of education for their reformation and rehabilitation, which is the ultimate goal of our Dpartment.”
Burail Jail has a study centre of Indira Gandhi National Open University and the prison has tied up with the UT Education Department. Nearly 700 prisoners are lodged in the jail including many dreaded criminals.
Balbir further said, “We have left no stone unturned to achieve this goal but it needs the help of society as well. Ultimately it is the society who has to accept these inmates and we want to give a message through this programme to the society that who follows the path of repentant and reform themselves must be accepted by the society otherwise they will not come out of this vicious circle.”