46 Vadodara Central Jail inmates to appear in board exams this year

Vadodara: With the desire to obtain a degree enabling them to get a job after their release from the jail, as many as 46 inmates of the Vadodara central jail are appearing in this year’s board exams, setting a record of sorts in numbers, said jail authorities.
Of the 46 inmates to appear in the Gujarat board examinations for HSC and SSC, 28 are SSC examinees, while 18 will sit for HSC exams. Last year, the total number of candidates from Vadodara central jail and other sub-jails was 44 and 20 in 2017. The examinations will be conducted on the jail premises itself, said officials, adding that the number of candidates will increase as inmates from Godhra, Nadiad, Rajpipla and Bharuch sub-jails will also come to Vadodara to write their examination.

Jail officials believe that the motivation session held for inmates this year has encouraged them to take up the exams to pursue higher studies. Conducted by the jail officials, including the jail superintendent and senior jailer, the prisoners were told about the benefits of higher studies and that studying at any age is not a taboo.

Most of the inmates appearing in the SSC exams, of whom the number of undertrials is high, say they plan to apply for certificate and diploma courses. Many other inmates who have completed schooling, are availing courses under Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University,” said welfare officer Mahesh Rathod.