Patna: A pilot programme to provide computer training to prison inmates has been launched in three major jails of Bihar, marking the first phase of a state-wide rehabilitation initiative. The scheme, inaugurated by Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department Arvind Kumar Chaudhary, began at Beur Central Jail in Patna, Muzaffarpur’s Shaheed Khudiram Bose Central Jail, and Buxar Central Jail. A total of 116 inmates have been enrolled for the training.
The training is being conducted through the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NILETT), focusing on basic computer concepts and digital literacy. The initiative aims to help prisoners reintegrate into society with employable skills, thereby reducing the likelihood of repeat offences.
“This programme will support the rehabilitation of inmates and encourage their return to mainstream society,” Arvind said during the launch. “Inmates already skilled in computers will also contribute by training others.”
Inspector General of Prisons Pranav Kumar highlighted that skill development is a top departmental priority, stating that such efforts play a vital role in prisoner welfare and long-term social reintegration.
The state government has invested Rs 2.25 crore in the initiative. As part of the infrastructure development, computer labs are being set up in 41 prisons, equipped with 250 computer systems, 250 UPS units and 250 computer tables.
NILETT’s Executive Director Nitin Puri expressed the institute’s full commitment to the programme, saying the objective is to make prisoners self-reliant through technical education.
Future plans under the Bihar Skill Development Mission include expanding the training to all jails, with the goal of educating 1,100 inmates across eight vocational disciplines. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Home Department and NILETT to facilitate the broader implementation.
Officials present at the launch included Joint Secretary and Director Sanjeev Jamuar, Beur Central Jail DIG Neeraj Kumar Jha, Assistant Inspector General Rajiv Kumar Singh, and Prisoner Welfare Officer Binod Kumar Prabhashkar.
