Date: 2025-05-02Category: Not ApplicableState: Union GovernmentCountry: India
NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported issue of non-availability of infrastructure and manpower to provide for the prisoners to pursue education in the Kerala jails
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India, suo motu (taking cognizance without being officially requested), has noted issues with prisoners' access to educational opportunities within Kerala's jails. The NHRC is concerned about inadequate infrastructure and insufficient manpower providing barriers for inmates seeking education, including those pursuing online courses. The reported shortage affects the prison staff complement as well as internet security measures needed for online learning. A notice has been issued to the Director General of Prisons in Kerala asking for a detailed report on these matters within four weeks. This action highlights concerns about potential human rights violations regarding prisoners' access to education and privacy/security risks associated with internet usage, including possible malfeasance related to release policies.
Key Entities Referenced
National Human Rights Commission NHRC, India: A governmental body responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights in India.
Kerala jails: Prison facilities located in the state of Kerala where prisoners are detained and may be eligible to pursue educational programs.
Director General of Prisons, Kerala: The top-ranking official responsible for managing prison systems under the Government of Kerala, tasked with addressing concerns raised by the NHRC.
National Human Rights Commission
NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the
reported issue of non-availability of infrastructure and
manpower to provide for the prisoners to pursue
education in the Kerala jails
Issues notice to the Director General of Prisons,
Kerala, calling for a detailed report within four weeks
Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 12:51PM by PIB Delhi
The National Human Rights (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report highlighting the
issue of non-availability of infrastructure and manpower to provide for the prisoners to pursue education in
the Kerala jails. Reportedly, the growing number of inmates, including those convicted of grave crimes, are
choosing to turn their lives around by enrolling in regular or online educational courses, but the authorities are
struggling to support their efforts.
The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise issues of violation of human
rights of the prisoners who intend to pursue educational programmes/ courses. Therefore, the Commission has
issued a notice to the Director General of Prisons, Government of Kerala, calling for a detailed report in the
matter, within four weeks.
According to the media report, carried on 25th April, 2025, the Kerala prison authorities are facing severe
staff shortage, lack of dedicated devices and secure internet connection for the inmates, willing to study
online. Reportedly, there is no monitoring system to ensure that the prisoners will use the internet only for
educational purposes. Another challenge is that some dangerous criminals are also now trying to apply for the
regular course as a devious tactic to get the interim release to facilitate travel outside the prison.
***
NSK
(Release ID: 2126074)