HYDERABAD, MAY 19, 2026: Shiv Pratap Shukla, Governor of Telangana, on Tuesday, inaugurated the Telangana Prisons Museum and the unique “Feel the Jail Experience / Jail Anubhavam” at Chanchalguda, Hyderabad.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor 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 times, 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.
Appreciating the initiative of the Telangana Prisons Department, 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 Hon’ble 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.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Soumya Mishra, Director General of Prisons & Correctional Services, Telangana, stated that the Telangana Prisons Museum has been developed as a comprehensive institution of awareness, education, research, and reflection. She explained that the earlier jail museum at Sangareddy had collapsed a few years ago, following which the department took initiative to revive and expand the concept into a modern and immersive museum at Chanchalguda.
She informed that the museum showcases the evolution of prisons from ancient systems of punishment to modern correctional practices through thematic galleries, recreated jail structures, historical prison artefacts, punishment-related exhibits, and sections on prison reforms and rehabilitation.
Dr. Soumya Mishra further highlighted that one of the museum’s important sections documents the contribution of prisons and inmate labour during the construction of the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam between 1961 and 1968, where prisoners worked in an open-air jail established at the project site, contributing significantly to nation-building activities.
Explaining the “Jail Anubhavam / Feel the Jail Experience,” she stated that the initiative offers citizens a structured 24-hour/12-hour paid prison experience including prison accommodation, prison food, discipline, routines, and regulated activities. The initiative aims to create awareness about prison life, lawful conduct, human values, and the importance of freedom and social responsibility.
She clarified that the objective of the programme is education, empathy, awareness, and understanding of correctional systems and inmate rehabilitation.
The Director General also stated that the museum and associated initiatives are expected to emerge as important centres for public education, prison awareness, correctional reforms, and rehabilitative transformation while also contributing towards tourism, economic activity, prison welfare, and skill development initiatives.
In her speech, Dr. Soumya Mishra informed that 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.” She stated that cafeteria facilities are also available for visitors at the premises. For enquiries and bookings, the public may contact us through email at telanganafeelthejail@gmail.com and phone number +91 94946 32046.
The event concluded with the Hon’ble Governor extending his best wishes for the grand success of the Telangana Prisons Museum and the “Feel the Jail Experience / Jail Anubhavam,” expressing confidence that the institution would inspire awareness, compassion, reform, and responsible citizenship among the public.
The inaugural programme was attended by N. Murali Babu, Inspector General of Prisons; 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; T. Lakshmi Srinadh, Superintendent, Special Prison for Women, Hyderabad; and . Srinivasa Reddy, Principal, SICA, along with senior prison officers, staff members, invited guests, and representatives from the media.
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