History

Telangana Prisons Department came into existence on 2nd June, 2014 after the re-organization of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh. The department consists of Central Jails, District Jails, Open Jails/Prisoner Agricultural Colony, Borstal School, Special Prison for Women, Special Sub Jails, and Sub Jails Additionally, there is one prison training center (SICA) located in Hyderabad. Earlier Sub Jails, who were under the control of Judicial department were transferred to administration of Prisons Department.

Over time, some jails were upgraded to District and Central Jails, leading to an increase in institutions under the department's control.

To enhance efficiency, the administration was decentralized into Hyderabad Range (15 Districts) and Warangal Range (18 Districts).

The modernization of prisons has significantly improved infrastructure, including new prison constructions, enhanced hygiene, improved medical facilities, staff quarters, and correctional programs.

Notable Achievements

Interest-free loans to the prisoners
Premature release of convict prisoners as per state government's policy
Swacch Jails - Green Jails
Employment to the released prisoners
Establishment of MyNation retail fuel outlets
SKOCH award for rehabilitation & reintegration of prisoners in society
Unnathi - Program to reduce Recidivism
Merit Scholarships to children of prisoners
Establishment of Skill Development Centre
Exclusive women prisoners operated fuel outlet
Annual prisoners sports and cultural meet
Annual retreat program to the staff
Establishment of Prison Development Board and Fund
Ban of smoking in all prisons
Establishment of Solar power units in all the prisons

Telangana Prisons Department is widely recognized as one of the most progressive prison departments in India. One of its pioneering initiatives includes setting up retail fuel outlets to facilitate the reformation and rehabilitation of prisoners, a model that has been well appreciated and adopted by other states.