IANS Photo
Gandhinagar, May 23 (IANS): A total of 44 inmates lodged in various prisons across Gujarat have successfully cleared the Class 10 and Class 12 examinations conducted by the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSEB), marking a significant outcome of education-based rehabilitation efforts within the state's correctional system.
According to the Prison Department, the results this year include 22 inmates who passed the Class 10 examination and another 22 who cleared the Class 12 examination.
Officials said the initiative reflects sustained efforts to provide educational opportunities to prisoners through structured academic support, counselling, and access to learning resources within jail premises.
The Gujarat Prisons and Correctional Administration facilitated the examination process by assisting inmates with application procedures, providing textbooks and study materials, and arranging subject-wise classes inside prisons.
Examination centres were also set up within jail premises to ensure that inmates could appear for the board examinations in a regulated environment without logistical barriers.
Director General of Police (DGP) K.L.N. Rao said the inmates who have successfully cleared the examinations would be honoured with certificates by the Prison Department.
"The administration is also working to encourage and support the children of prison inmates as part of broader welfare measures," he added.
Officials further said, "The state’s Home Department, under Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, has supported initiatives aimed at expanding educational access and rehabilitation programmes in prisons."
Regular academic sessions are conducted with the involvement of teachers and subject experts from schools and colleges who visit correctional facilities to guide students preparing for board examinations.
In addition to formal schooling support, prisons in the state have introduced libraries equipped with books and audio learning material.
Officials said these resources are intended to help inmates build study habits, improve focus, and develop positive coping mechanisms.
Radio Prison broadcasts and counselling sessions have also been used as part of ongoing welfare activities to support inmates facing emotional or psychological challenges.
Several inmates who cleared the examinations described education as a turning point during their incarceration.
One inmate said, “After being sentenced, I felt my life had come to an end. But the inspiration I received through Radio Prison, the welfare office, and jail officials motivated me to return to studies. Today, after succeeding in the examination, I feel alive again after many years.”
Another inmate, who had previously discontinued education due to financial constraints, noted that imprisonment initially led to a period of depression, but counselling and encouragement from prison staff helped him resume his studies and eventually pass the examination.
An inmate who cleared the Class 12 examination said, “Despite being in prison, my dreams are still alive. I attend music classes twice a week and aspire to become a singer after my release.”
Officials noted that vocational and creative programmes, including music classes and skill development sessions, are being introduced in select prisons to help inmates develop constructive interests alongside academic studies.
