Bihar Launches Digital Literacy Drive for Prisoners; Computer Training to Begin in 41 Jails

Patna: In a progressive move to rehabilitate inmates and equip them for life after incarceration, the Bihar government has launched a digital literacy campaign across the state’s prisons. The initiative, led by the Home Department’s Prison and Correctional Services Inspectorate, aims to provide computer education and employment-oriented IT skills to prisoners lodged in 41 jails, including eight central prisons.

Under this scheme, inmates will receive practical training in essential software tools such as MS Word, PowerPoint, and Tally, with a focus on developing employable digital skills. The National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) has been roped in as the official training partner. Trained professionals from NIELIT will conduct sessions within jail premises, ensuring that prisoners gain hands-on experience and functional digital literacy.

₹2.25 Crore Sanctioned for Equipment in First Phase

To facilitate the training, the Home Department has sanctioned ₹2.25 crore for the procurement of 250 computer sets, UPS systems, and computer tables. The Adarsh Central Jail in Beur, Patna will receive the highest allocation, with 15 computer systems. Central and special jails in Buxar, Motihari, Muzaffarpur, Purnia, Bhagalpur, and Gaya will each receive 10 computers, while 33 divisional jails will be equipped with five systems each.

The training initiative is part of a larger effort to rehabilitate prisoners through skill-building and prepare them for employment or self-employment post-release, ultimately enabling smoother reintegration into society.

Integration with Existing Jail Industries

Alongside digital training, the Bihar prison department has already engaged inmates in various small-scale industries operating within jail premises. Prisoners are currently involved in producing mustard oil, spice powders, wooden handicrafts, jute products, and designer clothing, which are sold in the open market under the ‘Mukti’ brand.

This combination of vocational training and digital empowerment is expected to not only reduce recidivism but also provide inmates with meaningful avenues for personal development and economic independence.