IIT PhD Convict Trains Remand Prisoners in Computer Skills at Visakhapatnam Jail
In a classroom inside Visakhapatnam Central Jail, young men in blue uniforms sit attentively with textbooks, learning about computer hardware and software. The trainer, D. Venkata Sai, a convict serving a sentence for abetment in a suicide case, holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from IIT Madras. The students are remand prisoners, many accused under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
This is part of the 'Office Assistant' programme launched by jail authorities in collaboration with the Skill Development Institute (SDI). The initiative aims to equip inmates aged 18-35 with basic computer knowledge and office management skills to improve their employment prospects after release. Prison superintendent Mahesh Babu and deputy superintendent Ch. Surya Kumar, both with IT backgrounds, conceived the programme.
Venkata Sai, who had a career in prestigious organisations, now trains inmates in fundamentals like computer components, storage devices, printers, and scanners, before moving to practical applications such as Microsoft Office, cloud storage, and office equipment maintenance. He also teaches English communication, behavioural skills, and body language to boost confidence.
The programme is open to remand prisoners who have completed Class X. The first batch has completed nearly a month of training with another month remaining. According to Venkata Sai, the response has been overwhelming, with inmates showing enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Many who had never operated a computer are now comfortable using office applications.
The jail administration believes skill development can prevent inmates from returning to crime, especially given that many are at a critical stage in their lives. The initiative reflects a rehabilitative approach focused on reintegration into society.
