May 7: Prisoners are often deprived of many lifestyle related activities. Except for some sporting events, they do not come across other activities for security reasons. But it is becoming different now. For the first time in the country, prisoner will get to attend Non-Formal Education (NFE) Programme, which is being introduced by the Royal Bhutan Police in collaboration with the Education Ministry. The programme, first of its kind in the country was launched yesterday.

The news was welcomed by many of the prisoners. For them, it would mean a step ahead from the only facility of sporting events they enjoy today.

With the introduction of the NFE, it would mean increasing the educational capacity of the inmates and enhance their life skills. Above all, such facilities according to the Chief of Police would bring about a positive behavioral change.

“When you go out from here you will go as a better person,” said the Chief of Police, Brigadier Kipchu Namgyal.

The new initiative according to education officials will help reintegrate the prisoners back in the mainstream as law abiding and productive citizens once they are released after the prison term.

After the launch, a representative from amongst the prisoners said they are happy with the government’s approach and said they will make optimum use of such facilities.

Of the 510 prisoners at the Chamgang jail in Thimphu, 177 of them will be undergoing the NFE programme, which will be given two hours daily. The Royal Bhutan Police says there are also plans to introduce such programmes in all the Dzongkhags prisons at a later stage.

The RBP’s next plan is to introduce Choeshey (religious) programme and yoga lessons for the prisoners.