: DGP Dr. Soumya Mishra, IPS
Hyderabad, January 12, 2025:
The Telangana State Prisons Department has achieved remarkable progress in reforms, technological modernization, prisoner rehabilitation, and staff welfare during the year 2025, said Director General of Prisons Dr. Soumya Mishra, IPS.
Releasing the department’s Annual Report, Dr. Soumya Mishra stated that prison admissions increased by 11.8 per cent in 2025. A significant surge was recorded in cybercrime cases (135.6 per cent) and drunk driving cases (152 per cent). However, she noted a welcome decline in the number of foreign prisoners, describing it as a positive development.
She highlighted a revolutionary transformation in court production, with 69.47 per cent of cases being conducted through video conferencing. This shift resulted in enhanced security, reduced transportation costs, and faster delivery of justice.
Strengthening access to justice, she said the legal aid system was significantly upgraded with the services of 155 legal aid advocates and 47 paralegal volunteers across the state. Through Jail Adalats, 985 prisoners were released. Telangana also secured first place in the country in implementing the Bail Assistance Scheme for economically weaker prisoners.
Emphasizing that rehabilitation remains the core objective of the department, Dr. Soumya Mishra said that 79 per cent of convicted prisoners underwent skill development training in 2025. Through prison industries, inmates earned wages exceeding ₹1.63 crore. Telangana is the only state in India providing interest-free loans to prisoners, she added.
She informed that several innovative initiatives were introduced for the first time in the country, including NIVRUTTI de-addiction centres, the Sentence Planning System, Waste-to-Wealth programmes, beekeeping projects, and incense stick manufacturing using temple flower waste.
On healthcare, she stated that mandatory medical examinations are conducted for every prisoner. During 2025, 379 surgeries were performed, several specialized treatments were provided, and 13 medical camps were organised. Additionally, 6,597 prisoners participated in International Yoga Day celebrations.
Regarding technological advancement, she said that under ICJS 2.0, electronic equipment worth ₹2.5 crore was procured. An IT Cell was established, and digital platforms such as the SWAGATAM Portal, Prisons Website, e-Office system, and Biometric Attendance System were implemented.
On infrastructure development, she said the Siddipet District Jail and new barracks were completed, while proposals for a High-Security Prison and a National Prison Academy were submitted to the government.
Staff welfare measures including health insurance, loans, improved salary packages, and sports activities are also being actively implemented, she added.
Dr. Soumya Mishra further announced that the Telangana Prisons Department received the prestigious SKOCH Award for outstanding performance in prisoner rehabilitation and social reintegration. Central Prison, Cherlapalli, was awarded the Gold Medal as the cleanest prison in the country. Telangana also won the overall championship at the 7th All India Prison Duty Meet by securing the highest number of gold medals. Hon’ble Chief Minister Sri Revanth Reddy congratulated the department for these achievements.
“The Telangana Prisons Department is no longer limited to custody alone. It is moving towards reforms, dignity, technology, and rehabilitation,” Dr. Soumya Mishra asserted.
The programme was attended by Inspector Generals of Prisons Y. Rajesh and N. Murali Babu, DIG Hyderabad Range Dr. D. Srinivas, and DIG Warangal Range M. Sampath.
