Patna: Prisons in Bihar are being reshaped from punitive institutions into centres of reform, with the state reporting the highest enrolment of inmates in education programmes across India in 2025. Officials say the shift marks a decisive move towards rehabilitation, positioning Bihar as a national model for correctional reform.
Through the National Institute of Open Schooling, 1,256 inmates have enrolled in Class 10 and 183 in Class 12 examinations this year — the highest figures recorded by any state. Authorities argue that access to formal education inside prisons is key to reducing repeat offences and helping inmates reintegrate into society.
Higher education has also seen significant uptake. A total of 1,565 prisoners have been enrolled through Indira Gandhi National Open University, with 1,354 joining degree or diploma courses in 2025 alone.Alongside academic learning, the state has prioritised job-oriented training to improve employability after release.
In 2025–26, 3,902 convicted and undertrial prisoners underwent skill development programmes across multiple trades. Computer literacy has been a central focus, with 1,443 inmates trained through the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology and partner agencies. Prison authorities say the aim is to equip inmates with practical skills that can translate directly into jobs.
Wellbeing initiatives have also expanded. A five-year agreement has been signed with the Art of Living foundation to introduce mental and physical health programmes in all 59 prisons in the state. Separately, the Crime Victim Welfare Trust has initiated the process of distributing Rs 27.3m (Rs 2,73,09,590) in financial assistance to families affected by crime in 2025.
While the reform agenda gathers pace, the government has also announced tougher infrastructure for serious offenders. During the state budget session, Bihar’s Home Minister, Samrat Choudhary, said high-security prisons would be constructed on remote hills. These facilities, he said, would have no mobile network access and only a single monitored entry route, with heightened surveillance to prevent escapes and external communication.
