A student named, rahul doing M.A.

economics part II in the local college was convicted under section

323 and 326 of the Indian penal code, 1860. While undergoing imprisonment, Amit expressed his desire
to pursue his studies. Therefore he requested the jail authorities to provide him with required books and
study material so that he may complete his degree. The jail authorities denied his request. Rahul
aggrieved by their denial filed a writ petition under Article 226.

Should inmates receive a free college education?

With the crime rate steadily increasing in the United States,
law makers are forced to put more and more citizens behind
bars. FBI data from last fall show violent crimes, including
murders and robberies, rose by 3.7% nationwide during the
first six months of 2006.
Those findings came on top of a 2.2% crime hike in 2005 —
the first increase since 2001. Although their crimes vary, each
inmate is in prison for one main purpose; they have
committed a felony and prison is where they can go as
punishment.
Although it is in fact “prison,” the treatment they receive is
nothing short of easy. With free meals, free exercise
equipment, free religious services, free counseling, and free
college education, prison seems ideal.
Some argue that privileges offered in county prisons are too
abundant and defeat the purpose of serving one’s actual
sentence, while members of the opposite belief say that these
offerings are needed to keep the inmates sane.
“Education does change minds, teaches people how to think
better, [and] how to find alternatives to the way they used to
do things,” said Stephen Steurer, executive director of the
Correctional Education Association.
The main argument erupting in the minds of American citizens
today, however, is: should inmates receive a free college
education? The opinion can go either way.
For some, they feel free college education is a privilege taken
way too lightly by the inmates who are receiving it. Hard-
working American citizens fight everyday to be their best,
striving to succeed as far as they can. Why is it fair that
inmates, citizens who have committed crimes, are able to
receive a college education for free?
College is not cheap, and hard-working Americans know this.
The average tuition at four-year public colleges rose 6.5
percent, or $429, to $7,020 this fall, according to the College
Board’s annual “Trends in College Pricing” report. At private
colleges, the average list price for a year of coursework rose
4.4 percent to $26,273.
According to recently released reports from the College
Board, most students and their families can expect to pay, on
average, from $172 to $1,096 more than last year for this
year’s tuition and fees, depending on the type of college. One
can’t simply go to college because they want to; they must
earn their admission.
Inmates who have caused their families and communities
harm are being given an education that they most likely take
for granted. If one is in prison, chances that they are aiming to
better their education while serving their time are slim.
If a murderer is convicted, does society really believe that
their first thought when they arrive at their vacant jail cell will
be “when does school start?” No. Counseling and help is what
they really need.
If somebody is creating chaos and destruction, an education
should not be their first priority to making things “better.”
Those who have chosen to commit a crime have chosen to
limit their opportunities and freedoms.
Providing inmates with a college education also means that
tax payer money is going to said programs. Why should
innocent, law-abiding citizens be forced to pay for those who
have done wrong?
The professors and instructors employed at prisons are taking
time out of their schedules to provide for those who have
done wrong. These people are taking a risk and could be
caught in serious danger if the “students” are not watched
carefully.
The information and knowledge that they gain could also be
used negatively. If one is in prison because of a crime that
involved deep knowledge and planning, providing them with
an education may only better their success rate if they choose
to again commit a crime.
Another topic of concern; why should death row inmates or
felons who have received a life sentence be given free
education? Death row inmates can take some classes,
although they are not allowed to leave their cells.
A teacher delivers instruction to the prisoner through the
bars. They will not be able to use the knowledge they gain
because they will always be in jail. So what’s the point?
Many continue to ask; should repeat offenders still receive a
free college education? Obviously they have been given a
second chance to better their lives and make things right
again, but they still continue to make mistakes. Why do these
felons deserve this right, when law-abiding citizens still must
pay the fee for higher education?
From the other end of the spectrum, however, many will argue
that education in prison is what inmates need to keep them
sane and alive. Providing them with an education will offer the
knowledge that they can have a successful life after prison.
Some believe that what inmates are taught in jail should be
based on a personal level and that the curriculum should
focus on individual effort.
On March 14, 2006, a group of educators began their work at
a local prison in Worcester, Mass. The experience they
gained not only gave them a great sense of self
accomplishment, but allowed them to learn along with their
students.
They know how to translate educere, which in this context
means “enlightenment” or “to enlighten,” into a meaningful
practice and thus transform education into practical
knowledge, the kind that leads not only to a better job but also
to a more meaningful and creative life.
”It’s rejuvenating,” said Antonio Rivera, 23, of the Cheshire
Correctional Institution, who is less than halfway through a 12-
year sentence for drug dealing.
Another example of schooling in prisons occurs in
Hagerstown, Maryland. The prisoners, who are held at the
Maryland Correctional Training Center, a medium-security
facility, recently earned their Master of Theology Studies
degrees through the Prison-to-Pulpit program from Covenant
Theological Seminary of Tallahassee, FL, a training school
that has a Maryland branch.
Personally, I believe inmates should not receive free college
education while incarcerated. They have obviously committed
a crime or a series of crimes, and need to be punished for
their actions.
While some argue that serving “hard time” is enough
punishment, I believe that, as a prisoner, they have lost every
right as a free man.
If the education they were receiving was not at a collegiate
level and had volunteers providing the material, it would be
different. But for them to receive free college education is
ridiculous.
Students work hard to gain a college education, and it is not
fair that one receives it for free, especially if they do not truly
want it or appreciate it. People today argue about the
temptations that society must face and overcome. In these
hard times, it is tough to be a well-rounded individual.
Obviously, there is no excuse for committing a crime, but
there has to be somebody to blame. I truly do not understand
why these criminals are given the education that hard-working
men and women must compete for.
The issue of inmates receiving free college education is a
touchy subject that has obviously stirred controversy.
American citizens are free to believe what they feel and, as a
strong-minded country, it would be difficult to change their
opinions
Whether you are for or against inmates receiving free college
education while incarcerated, one is entitled to their own
opinion. In the words of Voltaire: “I may not agree with the
words you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say
it.”