Prisoners prepare for exams, better life

HUBBALLI: The Central Jail in Ballari has turned into a college campus, with many inmates pursuing various correspondence courses and preparing for their annual exams. Apart from their regular chores in the jail, many prisoners are today devoting most of their time to studies.
The jail has 764 prisoners. Of these, about 160 are pursuing various degrees, diploma and certification courses.Some prisoners have already cleared their degree or diploma courses with distinction or secured good marks.
After realizing the prisoners' interest to mould themselves and lead a respectful life once they get out of jail, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (Ignou) started its study centre in this jail. It is said to be the first of its kind in the state. This is helping many prisoners to pursue degree courses of their choice, said sources.
Ranganath, assistant superintendent of Ballari Central Jail, said 36 prisoners have enrolled with the Karnataka State Open University and are pursuing BA degrees. They have opted for subjects like sociology, education and anthropology. Some are doing MA in history and sociology.
About 132 prisoners are pursuing degrees offered by Ignou and they are pursuing BA, bachelor of social welfare, political science, MA in Philosophy, Gandhian studies, social work and also studying PG diploma in Ambedkar studies, certification courses in poultry farming, organic farming, performing arts, NGO management, Urdu/Arabic courses. They'll take their examinations in the next couple of months, and some prisoners, who attended exams last year, passed with good marks, he added.
He said, "We have made arrangements for study in jail for all prisoners taking exams and we have also arranged for lectures. Every day, one or two lecturers take classes for prisoners, depending on their subjects. Lecturers interact with the prisoners, and help them solve their problems and guide them. Many prisoners said they had turned to a life of crime due to lack of education. Now, they don't want to be called as criminals once they go out of jail and want to lead a normal life. Hence, many prisoners are doing degree courses."