Health and skill programmes introduced for women inmates in Telangana

The Telangana Prisons and Correctional Services department held a reform-focused programme on Friday at the Special Prison for Women in Hyderabad, concentrating on health support, vocational training and rehabilitation measures for inmates. The event was attended by Director General (DG) of Prisons and Correctional Services, Soumya Mishra, who was the chief guest.

DG Soumya Mishra, along with Lions Club District Governor K. Inna Reddy, oversaw a health camp organised by the Lions Club that provided medical services such as blood tests, pathology, gynaecology, eye examinations and dental check-ups. She said that improving inmates’ health contributes to a more dignified life and noted that the services offered would support their general wellbeing.

After the camp, the DG inaugurated a honey packing and marketing unit at the women’s prison. The unit will handle honey collected from beekeeping setups at various prisons, including Cherlapalli, Sangareddy, Nizamabad, Khammam and Vikarabad. Officials said the initiative is intended to build vocational skills and support financial independence among inmates in line with the department’s view that prisons should focus on correction rather than confinement.

She also inspected Central Prison Hyderabad, where she opened a paper bag manufacturing unit that trains inmates to make bags from old newspapers. The programme is part of a wider effort to promote skill development and encourage sustainable practices.

The events were attended by DIG Prisons D. Srinivas, Assistant Director of Industries S.M. Khalid Akther, Deputy Superintendent Devla Naik, and Superintendent B. Amaravathi, along with other officials. Dr Soumya Mishra said the department aims to offer inmates opportunities to gain skills and confidence for their reintegration after release, adding that the initiatives highlighted the ongoing emphasis on rehabilitation and development in the prison system.