Sree Narayana Guru Open University’s ‘Samanvaya’ initiative aims to empower inmates of Kannur Central Jail in Kerala

SNGOU launches Samanvaya programme in Kannur Central Jail to provide educational opportunities for inmates. 12 students enrolled for UG & PG courses in English, History, BBA & MCom. VC P.M. Mubarak Pasha says goal is to transform prisoners into knowledgeable and philanthropic individuals.

Sree Narayana Guru Open University (SNGOU) has launched the Samanvaya education programme at the Kannur Central Jail aimed at providing educational opportunities for prison inmates. The State-level inauguration of the project was conducted by Kadannappally Ramachandran, MLA, in Kannur on Monday (December 11) evening.

Under the programme, the university offers free undergraduate and postgraduate courses to the inmates, providing a path for continued studies. Twelve “students” from the jail have already enrolled, initiating studies in English, History, and BBA for undergraduate courses, and MCom for postgraduation.

P.M. Mubarak Pasha, the Vice-Chancellor of SNGOU, said the programme’s primary goal is transforming prisoners into “knowledgeable and philanthropic individuals” through scientific education.

The university will cover all expenses for the students, including study materials. The courses are designed to provide inmates with the same academic facilities available to other students, with a focus on rehabilitation, he said.

In addition to the Samanvaya programme, jail inmates are participating in Literacy Mission classes and pursuing 4th, 7th, 10th, and Higher Secondary Equivalency Examination classes. Some are also engaged in various courses from IGNOU, Kannur University, and Calicut University. Notably, an inmate is pursuing LLB online as a regular course from the jail.