loknayak Jaiprakash Narayan Central Jail at Hazaribagh will begin higher education distance learning courses for its inmates from this month. Jail authorities have tied up with Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) for this purpose. The initiation of this ‘study centre’ programme is being done by St Columbus College of this district.
Hazaribagh Jailer CP Suman said that they are working on availing infrastructure within the jail vicinity. As of now, they have decided to impart Bachelor Preparatory Programme (BPP) designed to address the school drop-outs and those who have not completed 10+2 schooling as part of non-formal stream. The Jail is already carrying out certificate course in Basic Computer Training with the help of a private institution. Suman quoted, “IGNOU has agreed to begin an Advanced Computer Training certificate course for the inmates.”
“Though IGNOU officials have fixed a minimum target of 100 candidates but we expect enrolment of more numbers. There are many inmates who had already completed their matriculation and intermediate through National Institute of Open Schooling in their prisoner life here. They are keen to pursue undergraduation. Due to this enthusiasm Bachelor of Arts and Commerce classes will also be conducted,” Jailer Suman mentioned.
“We are inviting applications for the post of Academic Counselor from serving college faculty and retired college teachers who are to be appointed for this Jail study centre. After the inauguration of this centre, we would plan of beginning similar study centres in the jails of Dhanbad, Dumka, Jamshedpur and Giridih,” said St Columbus College IGNOU Coordinator Dr Ayodhay Singh.
Presently, there are around 2000 inmates in Central Jail of which five percent are women. Singh highlighted that enrolling of interested candidates will definately inspire other inmates hesitating to gain more academic knowledge. Open Jail was inaugurated within this jail vicinity in November.
In the mid of this year, IGNOU and State Department of Home (Jail) had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish IGNOU’s study centers at these five respective districts. Senior officials of Jail Industry mentioned that till date IGNOU’s study centre at Birsa Munda Central Jail in Hotwar was the only distance learning jail centre in the state. Considering, the knack to study among the inmates, they welcomed this decision when IGNOU Regional Director Dr S Kumar gave a proposal.