Telangana prison schooling programme draws interest from 85 inmates

Telangana prison schooling is being expanded through a new programme that has drawn interest from 85 inmates seeking SSC and Intermediate qualifications. The Prisons Department is working with the Telangana Open School Society, or TOSS, to help them resume formal education.

Of those interested in the current academic year, 70 have indicated a willingness to enrol for Secondary School Certificate courses. The remaining 15 are interested in Intermediate studies.

Education Department Principal Secretary Yogita Rana inaugurated the programme in the presence of prisons chief Soumya Mishra and other officials. The initiative will provide study materials and academic assistance alongside scheduled classes.

Classes, fee concession and dedicated centres

Under the Telangana prison schooling arrangement, regular teaching sessions are planned for Sundays and second Saturdays. Additional classes may be organised on other days if the Prisons Department requires them.

Admission has no upper age limit. Those completing Intermediate will be able to seek higher education, provided they satisfy the relevant institutions' entry requirements.

Rana announced a course-fee concession of ₹1,250 for inmates. Special TOSS centres are also to be established inside prisons to make the courses and academic support accessible.

She offered assistance with developing prison libraries to encourage reading and independent study. Children of prisoners facing difficulties with education can submit requests through the prisons chief, after which efforts will be made to help them.

Rana said education could strengthen confidence and self-respect, while Mishra linked the initiative to rehabilitation and preparation for a return to society. The department's approach, Mishra said, includes education and skill development alongside custody and security.

TOSS director K. Lingaiah assured officials of academic assistance and staff support for conducting classes. Brochures explaining the courses and other educational opportunities were released at the inauguration.

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