Hyderabad: Special Chief Secretary (Home) to the Government of Telangana, C.V. Anand, IPS, on Thursday visited Central Prison, Cherlapalli, and commended the state’s focus on Cherlapalli prison reforms, rehabilitation, vocational training, and inmate welfare.
He was received by Dr. Soumya Mishra, IPS, Director General of Prisons & Correctional Services, who presented an overview of the department’s best practices, emphasizing Cherlapalli prison reforms. The presentation highlighted educational and healthcare initiatives, as well as efforts to turn prisons into centers for correction and skill development.
Anand reviews correctional model, inspects prison facilities
During the visit, Anand recalled his earlier role as DCP, Central Zone, when Cherlapalli prison was inaugurated in 2000. He noted that the current visit gave him a comprehensive view of the facility’s transformation due to ongoing Cherlapalli prison reforms.
He toured several areas of the prison, including the hospital, stores, and the Annapurna central kitchen. At the industrial complex, he examined inmate-led units involved in soap production, weaving, carpentry, steelwork, tailoring, and waste-to-wealth projects. Impressed with the output and quality, he also praised the wages paid and services provided to inmates as key parts of Cherlapalli prison reforms.
While at the kitchen, Anand reviewed the menu and inspected the cooking process before tasting the food himself. He expressed satisfaction and appreciated Deputy Jailor Vijay Kumar for managing kitchen operations efficiently.
Inmate interaction and appreciation for leadership
The official spoke directly with inmates to understand their living conditions and experiences with vocational training, healthcare, and grievance mechanisms. He described the visit as an important learning experience regarding Cherlapalli prison reforms.
Anand praised the leadership of Dr. Soumya Mishra and noted the significance of the Nivruthi de-addiction initiative for prisoners involved in drug-related offenses. He also commended IG Prisons N. Murali Babu, DIG Dr. D. Srinivas, and Superintendent N. Shiva Kumar Goud for maintaining high standards of humane prison administration.