Of Colvale inmates and Post Graduate courses

In a move which could be considered as a ‘historic’ initiative Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has started courses at the modernized central jail at Colvale in order to provide educational support and equip them to lead a dignified life once out in the society. What is refreshing is that 35 inmates have reportedly sought admission for the various courses including for Post-Graduation (PG) courses. This only goes to show that are also graduates who are serving jail terms. Education for the jail inmates while they serve their time have several advantages. It will keep the inmates mentally busy. It will have a positive psychological impact on them. It is possible that some inmates could develop a suicidal tendency. Providing an environment where education is provided can eliminate this thought. Probably prisoners may wonder how they will be accepted back in the society once they are released and how they can start a new life. Proper education while serving their term can provide that window of opportunity for a new beginning. It is an opportunity their time to good use even though they are confined within the four walls of a prison cell. In prisons in foreign countries the inmates are involved in several small-time jobs so that they spend their time productively. In the past we have seen that in Goa many jail inmates are very talented and have come out with exquisitely designed works of art specially, during the festive seasons. Their hidden talent needs to be nurtured so that they are useful to the society once they are set free after serving their term. We need to treat the convicts and the under-trials who are behind bars in a humane manner. It may be true that because of their past unfortunate experience in life they have developed a violent attitude. That is where a correctional center can come in handy in helping in the prisoner shed the violent attitude and be accepted in the society after his release. We should view the convicts as unfortunate victims of the circumstances. It is understood that the inmates at Colvale who have joined the 2016 session have enrolled for various programs including masters in sociology, English, post-graduation diploma in journalism, etc.