Patna: In a major step towards prisoner rehabilitation and digital empowerment, the Government of Bihar has launched a computer literacy program for inmates across the state. The initiative has been rolled out as a pilot phase in three major jails – Beur Central Jail (Patna), Shaheed Khudiram Bose Central Jail (Muzaffarpur), and Buxar Central Jail – with 116 prisoners enrolled for the first round of training.
Rehabilitation Through Digital Skills
The program was formally inaugurated at Beur Central Jail, Patna, by 1995 batch IAS officer Arvind Kumar Chaudhary, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Government of Bihar.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Chaudhary said, “This initiative will help rehabilitate inmates by equipping them with modern computer skills, thus reducing repeat offenses and enabling their reintegration into society.”
He also encouraged jails to utilize inmates already skilled in computers to assist in training their peers, thereby fostering peer-to-peer learning.
41 Jails to Get Computer Labs
The program is being implemented with an investment of ₹2.25 crore. As part of the initiative–
- 41 jails across Bihar will be equipped with modern computer labs
- 250 computers, 250 UPS units, and 250 computer tables have been installed
- The training curriculum will be provided by the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT)
Training by NIELIT: Focus on Digital Literacy
The program is being conducted in collaboration with NIELIT, a central government agency under the Ministry of Electronics and IT. The training modules will include basic computer concepts, digital literacy, and technical skills.
NIELIT Executive Director Nitin Puri assured the government of the institute’s full commitment, stating, “Our aim is to make inmates self-reliant through technology-led training that aligns with real-world needs.”
Broader Plans Underway for Skill Development
According to Inspector General of Prisons Pranav Kumar, skill development of prisoners is a top priority of the department. He noted that this program is an important step toward rehabilitation and mainstream reintegration.
The next phase of the initiative aims to train 1,100 inmates across all prisons in eight different vocational disciplines. This expansion will be carried out under the Bihar Skill Development Mission (BSDM), with whom the Home Department has signed a special MoU.
Officials Present at the Launch
The launch event at Beur Central Jail was attended by–
- Sanjeev Jamuar, Joint Secretary-cum-Director
- Neeraj Kumar Jha, DIG-cum-Superintendent of Beur Jail
- Rajiv Kumar Singh, Assistant IG of Prisons
- Binod Kumar Prabhashkar, Prisoner Welfare Officer
- And other senior prison officials and staff
Impact and Vision
The initiative is part of a broader vision to use education and technology as tools for social transformation, especially within correctional facilities. By making prisoners digitally literate and employment-ready, the program seeks to provide them with a second chance at life after incarceration.
