The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Opening a window for those behind bars

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Feb 16, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Opening a window for those behind bars

Staff Reporter

500 prisoners chosen for Bangalore University's distance education programme

HAVING A WORD: Home Minister M.P. Prakash (left) and Deputy Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa with inmates of the Bangalore Central Prison on Thursday. — Photo: K. Gopinathan

Bangalore: "I want to get a postgraduate degree in economics. None of my six siblings has studied up to that level," said Sharat Kumar, eyes gleaming at the prospect.

He is no student in the conventional sense: he is an inmate of Bangalore Central Jail at Parappana Agrahara.

Ilyas Pasha said, "I want to complete the BBM course before I get released. I have no one to support me outside. The degree will help me set up my own business. I no longer want to be a burden to society."

Savitha has applied for BA, majoring in political science. "When I get released, I will pursue my education. I do not want to work under anyone; I want to stand on my own feet." Sharat Kumar, Ilyas Pasha and Savitha are among 500 prisoners who have been chosen for Bangalore University's distance education programme, which was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa at the jail on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, Home Minister M.P. Prakash underscored the role of education in awareness. "Education is a process of learning and unlearning," he said and hoped that the students would lead a better life after completing their sentence.

"Renowned novelist Jeffery Archer was jailed for a while and wrote his Prison Diary where he also talks about getting away with crime. S.T. Ramesh (Additional Director-General of Police, Prisons) and I were debating if we should get the book for the prison's library," he joked. Twenty-seven toilets and urinals will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 5.5 lakh in a month at the 2,500-capacity prison, which currently accommodates almost 4,500. The Prisons Department will soon provide a telephone for the prisoners. "We are doing it for the first time; no other jail has such a facility. I urge you all not to misuse the trust that we have reposed in you," Mr. Prakash said.

ISKCON's Akshaya Patra will supply food to the inmates six days a week. "Since you are allowed to have non-vegetarian food once a week, you will have to cook that in the prison itself," he said.

Mr. Yediyurappa advised the prisoners to make the best use of the opportunities extended to them. Speaking to presspersons later, he said the date of the State Budget would be announced in two days. Tourism, agriculture, women and child development had been given importance in the Budget. Ramachandra Gowda, Minister for Science and Technology; H.A. Ranganath, Vice-Chancellor, Bangalore University; K. Narahari, former MLC; and B.C. Mylarappa, Director, Distance Education, Bangalore University, spoke. Mr. Ramesh and B.S. Abbai, Deputy Inspector-General, Central Prison, were present.

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