Hyderabad: Telangana Prisons and Correctional Services Department has won the SKOCH Award 2026 for its NIVRUTTI De-Addiction Centres. The award recognised the department’s rehabilitation-focused approach to addressing substance dependence among prisoners.
The award was presented at the 109th SKOCH Summit – India Economic Forum at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. Dr Soumya Mishra, IPS, Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Telangana, received the award.
Rohan Kochhar, Founder of SKOCH Law Offices, and Sameer Kochhar, Chairman of SKOCH Group, presented the award. M. Sampath, Deputy Inspector General of Prisons, Telangana, was also present.
The NIVRUTTI initiative supports the Telangana government’s vision of creating a Drug-Free Telangana. The programme also operates with support under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India.
NAPDDR supports drug-demand reduction through prevention, awareness, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration. Its Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan component focuses on awareness, early identification and links to counselling and treatment services.
The NIVRUTTI programme extends these objectives into the prison setting. It provides prisoners with scientific de-addiction treatment, counselling, behavioural support and rehabilitation to help them lead healthier and responsible lives after release.
The department has established NIVRUTTI De-Addiction Centres at Central Prison Hyderabad, Central Prison Cherlapalli, Central Prison Sangareddy, Central Prison Nizamabad and the Special Prison for Women, Hyderabad.
Telangana Prisons SKOCH Award highlights rehabilitation work
The centres follow a comprehensive approach covering identification, screening, counselling, treatment, rehabilitation and continued support after release. So far, 4,200 inmates have been screened for substance-use concerns, while 2,126 inmates underwent WHO-ASSIST screening and received counselling and treatment support.
In addition, the programme followed up with 300 released prisoners after their release. The initiative focuses not only on treatment during incarceration but also on behavioural change, rehabilitation and continuity of care.
An impact study by APCA, Vellore, assessed the effectiveness of the NIVRUTTI programme. Its findings were presented at the International Research in Corrections Conference (IRCC) 2026 in Auckland, New Zealand.
Dr Soumya Mishra said the Telangana Prisons SKOCH Award recognised the dedicated efforts of department officers and staff. She said NIVRUTTI reflected the department’s commitment to helping prisoners overcome addiction, regain confidence and rebuild their lives.
Mishra also emphasised continued support, aftercare and social reintegration after release. Testimonials from inmates who used the centres indicated positive experiences with recovery and rehabilitation.
One inmate reportedly chose to postpone bail to continue treatment. Following treatment, several inmates also sought guidance on education, skills and careers after release.
The recognition reflects the department’s stated vision of “Custody with Care” and “Transforming Lives.” The NIVRUTTI initiative aims to support a healthier prison environment while contributing to a drug-free and inclusive society.