Kuvempu University has provided an opportunity to inmates of Shivamogga Central Jail to fulfil their dream of pursuing higher education through distance education mode.
The Directorate of Distance Education (DDE) of Kuvempu University held a special enrolment drive on September 6 for the inmates for graduate, PG, diploma and PG diploma courses in Science, Humanities and Commerce. Seven inmates enrolled for various courses at the special drive.
K.N. Chandrashekharappa, director, DDE, told The Hindu that Jogan Shankar, Vice-Chancellor, handed over study material to those who enrolled. Experts at the programme counselled the inmates and suggested courses that suited their aptitude. More are likely to enrol in the coming days.
He said teachers would hold classes in the prison. Exams would be held here too. The DDE established in 2002-03 is offering 30 courses at present. The enrolment would bring positive changes in the perspectives of the inmates and help them assimilate with the mainstream after their release. The university has also appealed to women inmates to join. On completion, the chances of inmates landing good jobs on their release are high. The university plans to hold special sessions in Communicative English and personality development for those who enrolled.
Mr. Shankar said the university has appealed to the staff serving at the prison and their families also to join the courses. A similar drive would be held at the District Prison in Chikkamagaluru too, he added.
