JOIN USKarnataka to launch literacy scheme for prisoners
In a novel idea, Karnataka will start a literacy programme for prison inmates who cannot read and write, Home Minister Araga Jnanendra said Thursday.
The programme will start on the occasion of Kannada Rajyotsava on November 1.
“There are about 16,000 prisoners in 50 prisons of the state. We are identifying illiterates among them. One estimate is that there are 6,000 illiterate prison inmates,” Jnanendra told a news conference. “They entered the prison with their fingerprint in the register. While going out, we want them to sign their name.”
He said officials have formulated the programme and educated prison inmates will be roped in. “They will be paid for the lessons they do. Also, we will make use of resources under the government’s mass education programme,” Jnanendra said.
According to the minister, even undertrials spend at least 1-3 months in prison. “We will teach till the time the inmates are in prison.”
Drill commands for police in Kannada
From November 1, drill commands for police personnel will be given in Kannada as the government has decided to do away with the colonial hangover of English.
“Commands such as ‘attention’, ‘stand at ease’, ‘left’ and ‘right’ will be given in Kannada,” Jnanendra said. “Training is being given and the use of Kannada will start from November 1. This is a special effort we're making,” he said.
Curbing film piracy
A joint task force comprising crime branch and cybercrime sleuths has been formed to curb piracy affecting the Kannada film industry, Jnanendra said. “We need to protect filmmakers. The sector provides livelihood to lakhs of people. It's a huge industry,” the minister said.
Jnanendra also said the government is discussing changes to streamlining licensing for cinemas. “We’re discussing license fee discounts. We’re also thinking of levying fees once in five years,” he said, referring to the new Karnataka Cinema Regulation (Amendment) Rules, 2021.
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