Chennai, 18 December (H.S.) : Around one thousand four hundred fifty five inmates across various prisons in Tamil Nadu are preparing to appear for a basic literacy examination scheduled for January twenty twenty six.

This initiative is part of the special literacy programme for prisoners, for which the state government has allocated thirty lakh rupees. The training for these candidates began in August and is expected to conclude by the third week of January, following which the formal assessment will take place.

The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Non-Formal and Adult Education conducted a final round of assessment under the New India Literacy Programme recently to ensure all candidates are prepared. According to officials, the highest number of participants will come from Puzhal prison, where three hundred twenty three inmates, including forty five women, have registered for the test.

This is followed by Salem Central prison with two hundred eighty five candidates. Other significant participations include inmates from Tiruchy, Tirunelveli, Madurai, and Vellore central prisons.

An official from the Directorate of Non-Formal and Adult Education stated that necessary reading materials and modules have been provided to all candidates. In instances where there is a shortage of regular teachers within the prison facility, educated fellow inmates are roped in to conduct classes.

These inmate teachers are provided a remuneration of six hundred thirty five rupees per learner for the six month training period.

This structured approach aims to ensure that every registered inmate receives adequate guidance before the final examination in January.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary