Telangana Prisons Department launches PPP project at Cherlapalli
HYDERABAD: The Telangana Prisons Department on Saturday inaugurated a Public Private Partnership (PPP) project at the Prison Agriculture Colony, Cherlapalli, in an effort to combine community engagement with rehabilitation of inmates.
The facility was formally inaugurated by Director General of Police, Telangana, Dr Jitender, IPS, who described the initiative as a forward-looking model that blends learning with recreation while strengthening social responsibility. He credited Dr Soumya Mishra, IPS, Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, with conceptualising the project and taking it forward.
Yoga, adventure and farming awareness for children
The project includes a Yoga Centre, Adventure Zone, Mini Golf Court and ‘Farm-to-Plate’ activities. A key feature is the farming awareness programme, designed to introduce children and students to cultivation practices and highlight the importance of agriculture in daily life. Officials said the initiative aims to instil values of sustainability, respect for nature and pride in agricultural traditions among young citizens.
Jobs and skills for inmates
Dr Soumya Mishra said the department was committed to building bridges with society through constructive initiatives. She noted that more than 30 inmates from open-air prisons would be employed in the project, earning meaningful wages while also supporting their families. “This programme will also provide employment and job training to released prisoners,” she said.
A platform for youth engagement
Dr Jitender said the PPP project would inspire children and students by offering hands-on exposure to agriculture and food security. “By engaging the younger generation, this initiative will help them understand the value of farming and the importance of food security,” he said.
Officials added that the facility is expected to grow into a vibrant learning centre, offering inmates valuable life skills to support their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
The event was attended by senior police and prison officials, including G Sudheer Babu, Commissioner of Police, Rachakonda; M Ramesh, Managing Director, Telangana Police Housing Corporation; Kartikeya, IGP Intelligence; Tafseer Iqbal, IGP Multi Zone-II; P V Padmaja, DCP Malkajgiri Zone; retired IGs MR Ahmed and A Narasimha; N Murali Babu, IG Prisons; N Shivakumar Goud, Superintendent of Jails, Central Prison Cherlapalli; and D Kalidas, Superintendent, Prisoners Agricultural Colony.
