Education can boost employability of prisoners, says ADGP Prisons

Noting that there are around 15,000 inmates in the prison in Tamil Nadu, he said that close to 6,000 of them are pursuing some course or the other (under graduation to Ph D) in open universities. “Last year an ITI was begun at the Tiruchy Central Prison. So far, 120 inmates have completed diploma in computers, welding, mechanical, sewing and fitting. When they are released, the courses they complete will enable them to get suitable jobs,” he explained.

“Today we have given certificates to 280 inmates of the Coimbatore Central Prison (CCP), who have completed Class 8, Class 10 and Class 12,” he said and added that steps have been taken to help them pursue higher education. He informed that a GO has been issued to reopen and make the Prisoner Bazaar functional at all the nine central prisons in the State. One has been opened at Saidapet and the one at CCP will be opened soon.

Sylendra Babu voiced his concern over the use of mobile phones inside prisons. “Last year 283 mobiles were confiscated from the prison inmates across the State and this year it was 187. Of the Rs 5 crore sanctioned by the government to install 12 jammers, two have been installed at Puzhal and two more will be installed at CCP,” he added.

The CCP has decided to take up an initiative to plant 10,000 saplings in the prison premises, he said. On Thursday, 2,000 saplings were planted and these will be nurtured by the prison inmates. The rest of the saplings will be planted in the next few days.

The ADGP who inspected the prison, also initiated a few other projects such as modernisation of the textile mill where prison inmates make khakhi dress materials and a purified drinking water unit.