The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has taken a proactive step by addressing a critical issue affecting prisoners in Kerala jails. On April 25, 2025, a media report highlighted the lack of infrastructure and manpower to support inmates who wish to pursue educational courses, prompting the NHRC to take suo motu cognizance of the matter.
Challenges Faced by Inmates
The report revealed that a growing number of prisoners, including those convicted of serious crimes, are seeking to transform their lives through education. Many are enrolling in regular or online courses, but the prison authorities are struggling to facilitate their efforts due to:
- Severe staff shortages that limit oversight and support.
- Lack of dedicated devices and secure internet connections for online learning.
- No monitoring system to ensure internet usage is restricted to educational purposes.
Additionally, some inmates, including dangerous criminals, are reportedly exploiting the system by applying for regular courses as a tactic to secure interim release for travel outside the prison.
NHRC’s Observation: The Commission has noted that these issues, if true, constitute a violation of the human rights of prisoners who are genuinely striving to pursue education and rehabilitate themselves.
NHRC’s Response
In response, the NHRC has issued a notice to the Director General of Prisons, Government of Kerala, demanding a detailed report within four weeks. This report is expected to outline the current state of educational facilities in Kerala jails and propose measures to address the identified shortcomings.
Why This Matters
Education is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for rehabilitation. By enabling prisoners to access educational opportunities, the system can support their reintegration into society and reduce recidivism. The NHRC’s intervention underscores the importance of ensuring that even incarcerated individuals have access to opportunities for personal growth and development.
However, the challenges highlighted in the report also raise concerns about balancing rehabilitation with security. The misuse of educational programs by some inmates to gain undue privileges calls for stricter monitoring and robust systems to safeguard the integrity of the process.
Looking Ahead
The NHRC’s notice is a significant step toward addressing systemic gaps in Kerala’s prison system. As the state government prepares its response, stakeholders, including prison authorities, policymakers, and civil society, must collaborate to create a framework that supports prisoners’ education while maintaining security protocols.