Launch programme for inmates to undergo field training in prison: HC tells jail authorities

Pursuant to the court’s order, the Superintendent of Tihar Jail filed a report stating that letters were exchanged between the Director of School of Social Work, IGNOU and the jail authorities to devise a programme so students of Bachelor of Social Work course can undergo field work and practical training within the jail complex.

Taking note of the status report, a bench of Justices Mukta Gupta and Anish Dayal said, “The Director General (Prisons) is requested to oversee that an appropriate programme is devised so as to fulfil the requirements of field work/practical training to be undergone on the jail premises itself, so that students in the jail who wish to pursue the Bachelor of Social Work course can undergo the training at jail itself.”

The high court added that the “Director General (Prisons) is also requested to start the said programme as expeditiously as possible so that the students who are pursuing Bachelor of Social Work through IGNOU and while in custody can complete their courses." It asked the DG (Prisons) to submit a report on this before November 28, the next date of hearing.

Initially, the State had filed a status report stating the convict has to do field work within the jail premises only through any of the NGOs associated with the jail and need not venture out of the prison for completing the work.

Thereafter, the high court had directed the Superintendent of Tihar Jail to coordinate with the Director of School of Social Work, IGNOU to devise a programme.