Hyderabad: A total of 78 Telangana prison inmates cleared the SSC examination through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), marking the first such achievement for the State prisons.
Following the results, Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services Dr. Soumya Mishra announced special remission for all 78 successful inmates. She recognised their discipline, hard work and commitment to self-improvement.
The achievement followed an MoU between the Telangana Prisons Department and NIOS. Through the agreement, inmates received an opportunity to pursue secondary education while serving their sentences.
In all, 108 inmates from Central Prison Cherlapalli, Central Prison Nizamabad and the Special Prison for Women, Hyderabad, enrolled in the programme.
The inmates prepared for the examination over a year. During that period, they attended regular classes, mock tests and pre-board examinations.
Government and private teachers guided the students throughout their preparation. In addition, prison officials and education coordinators supported the inmates and encouraged them to continue their studies.
Cherlapalli produced 56 successful candidates. Similarly, Nizamabad recorded 15 successful candidates, while seven inmates from the Special Prison for Women, Hyderabad, cleared the examination.
The Telangana Prisons Department said the results demonstrated the role of education in rehabilitation, self-confidence and social reintegration.
Moreover, the department credited the inmates’ determination and the sustained efforts of teachers and prison staff for the achievement.
Prison inmates SSC success opens further education opportunities
Dr. Soumya Mishra congratulated the successful candidates and praised their perseverance. Subsequently, she announced the Director General’s Special Remission for all 78 inmates.
The department will encourage the successful candidates to continue their education through the NIOS Senior Secondary (10+2) programme.
After completing 10+2, they can pursue undergraduate courses through the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University Study Centre at Central Prison, Cherlapalli.
In addition, the inmates can take up ITI courses at the ITI established at Central Prison, Cherlapalli. These courses can provide opportunities to develop technical skills and improve employability.
The department said the prison inmates SSC achievement showed how education could help restore confidence and create a path towards rehabilitation and self-reliance.
At the same time, the initiative reflects the department’s focus on education and skill development as tools for rehabilitation.
The prison education programme gives inmates an opportunity to obtain academic qualifications. Meanwhile, vocational training can help them acquire technical skills for future employment.
The department will encourage the successful candidates to pursue higher education and technical training.
The 78 inmates who cleared the SSC examination will receive the special remission announced by Dr. Soumya Mishra in recognition of their performance.