Telangana prisons register 41,138 criminals’ admissions in 2024

Of the 41,138 admissions, 30,153 were undertrial prisoners, while 2,754 of them were those involved in murders. These admissions were registered in 38 central and district prisons apart from district jails in the State.

Prisons and Correctional Services Director-General, Dr. Soumya Mishra, addressing the annual press conference here on Wednesday, said the total admissions of criminals increased for males and females. However, there is a reduction in jail admission of transgenders.

The most significant increase in jail admissions have been under cases related to NDPS Act and it was probably due to the drive taken up by the State government against drug abuse. More drug addicts were also now in jail compared to last year.

Prisons registered a significant reduction in the number of admissions related to extremists and those under PD Act (detenues) compared to last year, she said. Explaining in detail the modernization of prisons, Soumya Mishra said the funds sanctioned by the Central government have been used to procure X-ray baggage scanners, 105 walki -talkies, 123 CCTVs and 20 body worn cameras.

This part, the department has taken up measures for strengthening control rooms of central and district jails. Smart kiosks were also introduced to access information and services related to court dates, parole information, canteen coupons etc.

The department is also implementing the e-Mulaqat facility, which is a secure virtual platform enabling prisoners to connect with their families through video calls, reducing physical visits and promoting emotional well-being.

Referring to welfare activities of the prisoners, she explained that 750 inmates got graduation and 225 inmates got postgraduate degrees through Dr. BR Ambedkar Open University and Indira Gandhi National Open University study centres at Cherlapally prison.

As part of an illiterate to literate programme, the department made 12,650 prisoners educated.