Correctional Home dept opens two schools for women inmates’ kids

The state Correctional Home department on Tuesday opened two schools for the children of women inmates.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has named the schools as Sishu Alaya which have been opened at Alipore Central Correctional Home and Dum Dum Central Correctional Home.

HA Safwi, state Correctional Home Minister, along with Sashi Panja, Women and Child Development Minister were present at a programme held at Alipore Correctional Home. Trinamool Congress leader Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay was also present at the meeting.

Teachers appointed by NGOs will provide education to children. There will be classes on drawing, recitation, origami and many others. The children will also be given lessons in singing. 

Panja said many children who had talents were forced to stay inside the correctional homes with their mothers who were serving terms. The school will help them to grow and pursue their talent. 

State Correctional Home Minister Safwi said several schemes had already been taken for the inmates of the correctional homes. Two groups — Muktaberi and Muktabeni — have been set up that present drama and musical performance. Balmiki Prtiva, presented by the inmates, became very popular and shows were held at different places in the city like Rabindra Sadan, Kala Mandir and in other districts. Musical group also performs on regular basis.

Safwi said the inmates participate in cultural shows insides the correctional homes during special occasions. In 2014, a painting exhibition by Rashid Khan, who has been serving life term in connection with the Bowbazar blast that took place in early 1990s, was also held.