De-Addiction Centre ‘Nivrutti’ Opened at Cherlapalli Central Prison
HYDERABAD: Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla inaugurated the de-addiction centre “Nivrutti” at Central Prison, Cherlapalli, on Monday. He stressed the need for sustained efforts to tackle substance abuse.
Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services Soumya Mishra received the Governor. Senior officials from the state government and police attended the event.
Governor calls for humane, reform-focused prison system
Speaking at the event, the Governor described substance abuse as a major social and public health challenge. He drew from his past experiences, including time spent in jail during his political career. Those experiences, he said, helped him understand the struggles of inmates and prison staff.
During his tenure as jails minister, he introduced several reforms. These included improving prison conditions and staff welfare. He also worked to bring salary parity between police constables and warders. In addition, he ensured basic amenities such as fans and televisions in prisons.
Initiatives like de-addiction centres, he said, support national programmes such as Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. They also strengthen the state’s efforts to curb substance abuse. He praised the Telangana Prisons Department for its reform-oriented approach. He also commended Soumya Mishra for leading these initiatives.
Over 2,900 inmates screened under rehabilitation programme
Soumya Mishra said the Cherlapalli centre marks an important step in strengthening prison reforms. She emphasised that substance abuse needs counselling, medical care, and long-term rehabilitation. Punishment alone, she said, cannot solve the problem.
The department has set up de-addiction centres in four central prisons—Chanchalguda, Cherlapalli, Sangareddy, and Nizamabad. It has also established one at the Special Prison for Women in Hyderabad. Psychologists and social workers staff these centres.
Officials have screened 2,915 inmates for substance use. Among them, 590 inmates have undergone WHO-ASSIST assessment, counselling, and therapy. Mishra said authorities continue support after release to ensure recovery.
She added that many inmates have overcome addiction through structured rehabilitation. This progress highlights the changing role of prisons as centres of reform.
Governor reviews livelihood and reform initiatives
After the inauguration, the Governor visited the Prisoner Agricultural Colony at Cherlapalli. He interacted with inmates and reviewed agricultural and vocational activities.
He also toured “Area 77,” a public-private partnership initiative. The project functions as a nature camp and adventure park. It aims to create jobs for open-air jail inmates and released prisoners.
During the visit, he reviewed organic farming and apiculture programmes. He appreciated efforts to equip inmates with practical skills. Such initiatives, he said, help build discipline, responsibility, and social reintegration.
Inspector General N. Muralibabu and Deputy Inspector General D. Srinivas, along with other officials and staff, attended the event.
