New Delhi: This pandemic has an impact on prisoner education because registration in different courses has declined in prison.
According to statistics provided by prison authority, in 2018-19, 1,365 inmates were registered in a course of 18 degrees and diplomas.
In 2019-20, the registration figure increased to 1,682 in Tihar’s study center.
In 2020-21, when the pandemic hit Delhi, only 765 inmates registered in the course.
In 2020-21, 37 prisoners were registered in undergraduate courses, four postgraduate, 720 in the Certificate and Four course in the Postgraduate Diploma.
An official said that in 2020 around 6,740 inmates were released on temporary guarantees or emergency conditional liberation.
“There is a disturbance in their education sustainability.
Learning prisoners regularly, but because the Pandemic class is closed.
Most prisoners registered with Ignou are released.
After getting parole or temporary guarantees, they lose focus on education,” the official added.
Before Covid-19, inmates were used to study in the hall and provided materials.
“NGOs and prison staff help inmates in educational activities.
After the Covid-19 outbreak, our study center was closed.
Because of precautions, no outsiders, including representatives of NGOs, were permitted in prison,” the official said.
Furthermore, inmates must learn in their barres and are not allowed to visit the library or go to class.
“Their examination was postponed.
They can give their exams later, but there is a learning disadvantage because of Covid-19,” the official said.
In 2021, 4,337 inmates were released as part of the Dekongestion Drive Prison.
Sandeep Goel, Director General (Prison) confirmed that some inspections were postponed and some were canceled because of Covid-19.
“Pandemic has an impact on various activities in prison, including the study of prisoners.
It takes time to bring continuity again, but we do all efforts,” he added.
Other officials said the exam was held this year after a delay.
Data showed that last year 122 inmates and 293 staff were tested positive for viruses and two deaths reported.
This year, 616 inmates and infected staff and eight died.