Punjab government plans classrooms in jails

Punjab government is planning to open classrooms in state prisons. The government is planning to do this in order to provide a learning environment to inmates, said Punjab Jail minister Harjot Singh Bains. He said the decision is the part of government's mission to "transform lives of inmates and enable them to join social mainstream as reformed convicts".

"The department is planning to construct classrooms with a capacity of 50 students in each jail," he added.

He said that initially, two to three classrooms of 50 students each will be constructed and if more rooms are needed in future, the capacity will be expanded, he said.


The prisoners will also be provided the facility of libraries.

"The idea is to inculcate a habit of learning and education and to provide them an opportunity to utilise their time in prison in a productive manner," said the minister.

Currently, the jail inmates are divided in three categories on the basis of their educational qualification.

There are a total 271 prisoners under Category A who are illiterate. They are being taught to read and write under a State Council of Educational Research and Training programme while Category B inmates, eligible and interested to appear for Class 10 or 12 board examination, are enrolled with the National Institute of Open School.

Similarly, Category C comprises 49 inmates, who have done their Class 12 and motivated to undergo graduation courses in various disciplines offered by Jagat Guru Nanak State Open University, Patiala.

(Inputs from PTI)