Hyderabad: Shiv Pratap Shukla said prisons must evolve into centres of reform rather than remain places of punishment and stressed that society should focus on rehabilitation alongside incarceration.
The Governor made the remarks on Tuesday after inaugurating the “Feel the Jail” experiential programme and the Jail Museum at the State Institute of Correctional Administration in Chanchalguda.
During his visit, Shukla inspected specially designed “Feel the Jail” cells created to provide visitors with a firsthand understanding of prison life and the realities faced by inmates.
The Governor later toured the Jail Museum, which showcased the history and evolution of the prison system. Exhibits included displays on prisons during the Nizam era, the contribution of prisoners to the construction of the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, and model prison cells linked to noted personalities such as Dasarathi Krishnamacharyulu and Kancherla Gopanna.
The museum also highlighted prison rehabilitation initiatives, prison industries, and products manufactured by inmates. The Governor watched a documentary titled “Valmiki”, which focused on reformative programmes aimed at encouraging behavioural transformation among prisoners.
Jail Museum highlights prison reform centres
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said the Jail Museum represented an important step towards building a more humane and reform-oriented justice system.
He observed that displays of old prison chains and cells reflected the harsh punishment systems of the past, while the emphasis on skill development and prison-made products demonstrated a shift from retribution to transformation.
“The true character of a progressive society is reflected in the sensitivity and responsibility with which it seeks to reform those who have erred,” Shukla said.
The Governor added that prisoner rehabilitation remains a moral responsibility of society and said prisons should encourage introspection, personality development, and opportunities for a fresh start.
Shukla congratulated Soumya Mishra and other officials for conceptualising and implementing the initiative. He expressed confidence that the Jail Museum would emerge as a platform for education, research, public awareness, and tourism.