NHRC notice to Kerala DG prisons over prisoner education resources
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New Delhi: The NHRC on Friday said it has issued a notice to Kerala's director general of prisons over reports alleging "non-availability" of infrastructure and manpower to help inmates in pursuing education online.
"Another challenge is that some dangerous criminals are also now trying to apply for regular course as a devious tactic to get the interim release to facilitate travel outside the prison," the rights panel said in a statement quoting the reports.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken "suo motu cognisance of a media report highlighting the issue of non-availability of infrastructure and manpower to provide for the prisoners to pursue education in Kerala jails," it said.
"Reportedly, the growing number of inmates, including those convicted of grave crimes, are choosing to turn their lives around by enrolling in regular or online educational courses, but the authorities are struggling to support their efforts," the statement said The Commission has observed that the content of the news report, if true, raise issues of violation of human rights of prisoners who intend to pursue educational programmes or courses.
The NHRC has issued a notice to the director general of prisons, Kerala, requesting a comprehensive report within four weeks.
A media report published on April 25 highlighted concerns regarding Kerala prison authorities, alleging that they are "facing severe staff shortage, lack of dedicated devices and secure internet connection for the inmates, willing to study online," according to the statement.
Additionally, the report noted that there is currently no monitoring system in place to ensure that prisoners use the internet solely for educational purposes, it said.
(inputs from PTI)
