Telangana Governor Inaugurates Telangana Prisons ‘Museum and Jail Anubhavam’ at Chanchalguda
Hyderabad, May 12 (TNT) : Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, inaugurated the Telangana Prisons Museum and the unique “Feel the Jail Experience / Jail Anubhavam” at Chanchalguda, here on Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Shiv Pratap stated that the establishment of the Telangana Prisons Museum marks a historic milestone in the evolution of correctional administration in the State.
He observed that in earlier time’s prisons across the world, including in India, were largely centres of punishment where inmates were subjected to severe physical and mental hardship.
Such harsh prison practices, he noted, continued even during the early years after Independence.
The Governor emphasized that over the years, prison systems have undergone remarkable transformation from punitive institutions into centres of correction, rehabilitation, reformation, and human dignity.
He stated that the Telangana Prisons Museum beautifully captures this journey of transformation and provides society with a realistic understanding of prison administration and inmate life.
The Governor congratulated Dr. Soumya Mishra, Director General of Prisons & Correctional Services, Telangana, along with her team of officers and staff for conceptualising and establishing this unique institution.
The Governor said that the museum is not merely a collection of historical artefacts, but a living narrative of the evolution of justice, punishment, correction, and human reform.
Through painting galleries, recreated old jail barracks, prison artefacts, shackles, chains, fetters, gallows, and audio-visual exhibits, visitors can witness the realities of prison life in earlier centuries and understand how modern prisons have evolved into reformative institutions.
He further stated that the museum and the “Feel the Jail Experience / Jail Anubhavam” initiative will help the public gain a better understanding of prison systems, inmate life, discipline, and correctional administration.
He observed that these initiatives project the changing image of prisons in modern society and promote awareness, empathy, responsibility, and respect for law.
The Governor also appreciated the reformative and rehabilitative initiatives undertaken by the Telangana Prisons Department in the areas of inmate welfare, vocational training, prison industries, agriculture, skill development, and social reintegration.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Soumya Mishra said the museum was developed as a centre for awareness, education, research and reflection.
She explained that the earlier prison museum at Sangareddy had collapsed a few years ago, prompting the department to establish a modern immersive museum at Chanchalguda.
One of the key attractions is the “Jail Anubhavam / Feel the Jail Experience,” which offers citizens a structured 12-hour or 24-hour paid prison experience that includes prison accommodation, food, discipline and daily routines. The programme aims to educate the public on prison life, lawful conduct and social responsibility.
Dr. Soumya Mishra also stated that the museum documents the contribution of inmate labour during the construction of the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam between 1961 and 1968, where prisoners worked in an open-air jail at the project site.
The Prisons Department has launched the official website www.telanganajailexperience.com for public visits and online slot bookings for the Telangana Prisons Museum and “Feel the Jail Experience / Jail Anubhavam.”
Cafeteria facilities have also been made available for visitors at the premises.
The inaugural programme was attended by N. Murali Babu, Inspector General of Prisons; Dr. D. Srinivas, DIG Prisons, Hyderabad Range; M. Sampath, DIG Prisons, Warangal Range; N. Shiva Kumar Goud, Superintendent, Central Prison Chanchalguda; D. Bharath, Superintendent, PAC Cherlapalli; G. Pramod, Superintendent, Central Jail Cherlapalli; Ms T. Lakshmi Srinadh, Superintendent, Special Prison for Women, Hyderabad; and S. Srinivasa Reddy, Principal, SICA, along with senior prison officers, staff members, invited guests, and representatives from the media.
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