Prisoners turn pupils

Prisoners study History, Arithmetic and English, have report cards, and are rewarded for performance and conduct, as part of the literacy programme of city prisons

Prisoners turn pupils

Prisoners study History, Arithmetic and English, have report cards, and are rewarded for performance and conduct, as part of the literacy programme of city prisons

Much like how prisoners in the novel-adapted movie Shawshank Redemption are introduced to the academic world by a well-read, well-educated inmate, the city's prisons are on the way to redemption in their own small way.

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the jail authorities have introduced a literacy program where the educated inmates will conduct classes for the illiterate ones.

Although, it has been kindergarten stuff, like learning the alphabet, constructing simple sentences in English, those lodged in the city's prisons have something to hope for and learn.

Meticulously divided into batches of 10 each, undertrials have been busy after enrolling themselves in the classes. So by the time they walk out of prison, they could well be conversing in impeccable English.

"Based on their literacy levels, we have segregated them, just like in schools," said Deputy Inspector General Surinder Kumar.
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The first level is learning the alphabet, the second is for learning words and making sentences, and the third is for reading textbooks and writing.

"By this, we hope their time is utilised in a better way," added Kumar.

Currently, playing the part of Andy Dufresne, the learned inmate who assumes a teacher's role in the movie, are Indian Police Service (IPS) officers Saji Mohan, arrested in a drug case, and two other computer engineers arrested on chargers of murder.
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They are leading the programme. Classes are held in Arthur Road, Byculla, Thane, Taloja and Kalyan jail.

Officials said that the classes are held everyday for four hours and attendance is taken. The syllabus includes subjects like English, Mathematics and History among others.

At the end of a fortnight, a report card is sent to the authorities, remarking on the progress made by the 'pupil' and the conduct during the classes.

The initiative helps boost the morale of the inmates, and enthusiasm levels seem to be high from what officials have to say.

"It has become popular and inmates practice lessons within their barracks after dinnertime," said a jail official.
As a reward, good scores will earn the inmate more and better food rather than the usual limited food.

Women's ED

Similar learning is underway in the women's jail in Byculla as well.

A high-profile inmate, Kannada starlet Maria Susairaj (28), imprisoned for allegedly murdering television executive Neeraj Grover, has taken it upon herself to educate other women and children in the jail.

Susairaj, well-educated, along with her fianc ufffde Emile Jerome Mathews, are accused of killing Grover in May 2008.

She believes that the social enterprise would provide uneducated women inside the jail another chance at a better life.

The exercise was started a few months ago with the view of letting inmates utilise their time in productive activities.