Literacy centre opened in Jhelum jail

Official says cash prizes would be given to prisoners planting more trees

JEHLUM:

In order to rehabilitate prisoners through the medium of education, National Commission for Human Development with the district literacy department opened an adult literacy and non-formal basic education centre at District Jail Jhelum.

Speaking at the inauguration of the centre the other day, Jhelum Assistant Commissioner Maria Javed said that the purpose of setting up literacy centres in the jail was to provide educational opportunities to the inmates so that they become productive. “Eradication of ignorance and illiteracy from society was the top priority of the government for which all possible steps are being taken,” she added.

The AC said that the inmates should avail educational facilities in the jail and become useful citizens of society.

Superintendent Jail Aftab Ahmed Bajwa said that full cooperation would be extended to the literacy centres so that the inmates educate themselves and bring positive changes in their lives after their release from the jail.

After the end of the event, the AC visited the women's ward, hospital, juvenile ward and kitchen to check the facilities being provided to the prisoners.

Jhelum District Officer Literacy Maimona Anjum, Social Welfare Officer Wajid Mahmood, Superintendent District Jail Aftab Ahmed Bajwa, Deputy Superintendent Jail Malik Mustafa Ahmed also attended the inauguration of the literacy centre.

On Friday, tree plantation campaign was launched in six jails of Rawalpindi region, including District Jail Jhelum.

Under the tree planting campaign, after officers and employees, inmates will also plant saplings of eco-friendly plants.

According to the Prison Department spokesman, tree plantation campaign has been started in Rawalpindi Central Jail Adiala, District Jail Gujarat, District Jail Attock, District Jail Jhelum, District Jail Mandi Bahauddin and Sub Jail Chakwal.

Jhelum Assistant Commissioner Maria Javed inaugurated the drive in District Jail Jhelum.

The spokesman said that the inmates would be given the task of planting trees in different jails. They would also give cash prizes to the prisoners who plant more trees.

The other day, as part of the spring tree plantation campaign, the Forest Department organised a tree plantation day at Mangla Cantonment.

The divisional forest officer said that 4,000 saplings have been planted from Dina Bypass to Mangla Cantonment. These plants will not only enhance the beauty but will also be environment-friendly, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 19^th, 2022.