Hyderabad, May12:
Shiv Pratap Shukla inaugurated the Telangana Jail Museum and the “Feel the Jail Experience” programme at Chanchalguda in Hyderabad on Tuesday.
Speaking at the event, the Governor said the establishment of the Telangana Jail Museum marks an important step in the history of prison administration in the state. He said prisons in earlier times, both in India and across the world, mainly functioned as punishment centres where inmates faced physical and mental hardships. He noted that such prison practices continued even after Independence.
The Governor said prison systems gradually changed from punishment centres into institutions focused on reform, rehabilitation and human dignity. He stated that the Telangana Jail Museum reflects this transformation.
He appreciated the Telangana Prisons Department for designing and implementing the project and specially praised Dr. Soumya Mishra and her team for their efforts.
According to the Governor, the museum is not only a collection of historical objects but also a record of justice, punishment, reform and social transformation. He said visitors can understand prison life and the evolution of correctional systems through painting galleries, replicas of old prison barracks, chains, shackles, gallows, rare prison objects and audio-visual presentations.
He said the “Feel the Jail Experience” programme would help people understand prison life, discipline, inmate conditions and prison administration. The initiative, he added, would promote awareness about law, responsibility and social values.
The Governor also appreciated the Telangana Prisons Department for reforms related to inmate welfare, skill development, prison industries, agriculture, rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Soumya Mishra said the Telangana Jail Museum has been developed as a centre for awareness, education, research and historical study. She said the earlier Sangareddy Jail Museum was closed after its old buildings were damaged, following which the new museum was developed at Chanchalguda.
She explained that the museum showcases the evolution of prison systems from ancient punishment methods to modern correctional practices through galleries, historical objects, prison models and rehabilitation displays.
She also said a special section in the museum highlights the contribution of prisoners who worked during the construction of the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam between 1961 and 1968 while staying in an open-air jail.
Dr. Mishra said the “Feel the Jail Experience” programme offers paid 12-hour and 24-hour prison experiences for visitors, including prison accommodation, prison food, discipline and controlled daily routines.
She clarified that the programme is intended to create awareness, empathy and understanding about prison reforms and human values, and not for entertainment.
She said the museum and related programmes are expected to support public awareness, prison reforms, rehabilitation activities, tourism and skill development.
An official website for visitor information and online slot bookings has also been launched.
Telangana Jail Experience Official Website
Officials said cafeteria facilities are also available for visitors.
Senior prison officials, staff members, invited guests and media representatives attended the programme.
