Bharatpur, Rajasthan – In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at rehabilitating and reforming prisoners, Sewar Central Jail in Bharatpur district has embarked on an educational journey that is transforming the lives of inmates. The jail administration has launched an extensive program to educate prisoners through partnerships with the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Industrial Training Institute (ITI), and various literacy campaigns, hoping to provide them with the tools they need to build a better future and reintegrate into society as responsible citizens.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Paramjeet Singh, who is overseeing the program, shared the vision behind this noble initiative. “Education is the most effective medium for the reform and self-reliance of prisoners. Considering this, a comprehensive literacy campaign has been started in the jail, which aims to educate illiterate prisoners,” Singh explained.
The campaign not only focuses on basic literacy skills but also offers opportunities for higher education, helping prisoners who wish to pursue more advanced courses. Under this campaign, inmates are being taught to read, write, and even sign documents – skills they previously lacked. Additionally, those who are interested in further studies can pursue courses offered through IGNOU and ITI, opening doors to future opportunities once they are released.
One of the most unique aspects of this initiative is the involvement of former prisoners who have already completed their education. These individuals, who have earned their degrees while incarcerated, now play a key role in educating their fellow inmates. Singh emphasized, “The prisoners who have already graduated from jail have been assigned teaching work. These prisoners have been specially prepared for teaching, and they have been provided with necessary books and study materials.” This peer-led teaching approach not only strengthens the learning process but also gives the teaching inmates a sense of purpose, respect, and self-worth.
The jail has designated a specific barrack—Barrack Number 4—as the ‘Literacy Barrack,’ where only illiterate prisoners are housed until they are able to read, write, and sign independently. This focused space allows for personalized attention and a structured environment in which inmates can flourish academically.
Since the launch of the program, the results have been encouraging. “Last year, 550 prisoners were educated, and this year it has been resolved to increase this number further,” said Singh. These inmates include individuals convicted of various crimes, ranging from minor offenses to more serious charges such as murder and rape.
The impact of this initiative goes beyond just academic growth. The program is fostering a sense of self-reliance among the prisoners, showing them a path to a dignified life outside of prison walls. Moreover, it sends a powerful message to society that reform and rehabilitation are always within reach, even for those who have committed severe crimes.
“This flame of education burning in Sewar Central Jail is not only making the prisoners self-reliant but is also giving the message to society that the path of reform is always open,” the SP concluded, reflecting on the transformative potential of education in reshaping lives.
As the program continues to grow, it is likely to have a lasting impact on the lives of the inmates and contribute to a broader movement of education-based rehabilitation across the prison system.