Hyderabad: Central prisons must be seen as institutions of reform, not punishment, said Dr B.R. Ambedkar Open University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ghanta Chakrapani at a legal rights workshop held at Cherlapally Central Jail on Sunday.
The awareness programme on legal rights and personality development was organised by the university as part of the Prof. Ramireddy Memorial Activities. Addressing inmates, Chakrapani said education was essential for all and reiterated the university’s commitment to providing access to prisoners.
“We are working to ensure inmates undergoing sentences have access to learning,” he said.
Ambedkar Academy Director Prof. Pushpa Chakrapani urged inmates to correct missteps made in moments of anger and use their time in prison to pursue education. She noted that what they learn in jail could benefit them significantly after their release.
Jail Superintendent Shivakumar Goud said the prison department was committed to inmate welfare, already running several initiatives aimed at rehabilitation.
Later, Prof. Beena Chintalapuri’s family conducted a session on human values. Prof. Muralikrishna spoke on the right to justice, while Prof. Sudharani discussed legal entitlements and personality development for inmates.
Deputy Superintendents Kalidas, Shashikant, and Ramayya, Jailer Jyothirmayi Reddy, deputy jailers, wardens, and inmates were present.
