A new range of software and digital services from tech companies could make IT easier for people who can’t use the computers of their choice in jail, a new report by the government said.
The report said that the number of people who are unemployed in the country is more than 1 million, which means the number is increasing faster than the population.
With more than 40 percent of the workforce unemployed and the economy shrinking, it’s estimated that the government would need to increase the workforce by 25 million to keep up with the growth in the labour force, according to the report.
“It’s not just that we need more workers, it is that we also need to build more capacity in the jail,” said Maria Fagundez, the minister of human services, in a speech at the opening of the National Innovation and Technological Development Agency (NITDA).
“I think this is an opportunity for us to take advantage of the new technologies and services that are now being deployed,” she said.
The report called for creating a system of jails that allow people to use technology at their convenience, and for creating and deploying technology that can be used by prisoners in other jails, rather than in jails where prisoners cannot use it.
While jails will continue to be an important source of revenue, the report also recommended that jailers be able to sell their wares to customers and provide a range of services to help them pay their bills.
Fagundes also said the government should consider ways to give prisoners access to the internet, and to reduce prison overcrowding.
In addition, the government’s plan to reduce the number and severity of fines for drug offences should be expanded to include people who have a drug-related offence, the paper said.
“There are a lot of ways in which we can help reduce the jail population and to help people access jobs in their communities, particularly through our new digital jobs platform, which will create opportunities for young people in the local community to get into technology,” Fagunges said.
