Prisons Department Retreat Highlights Focus on Reform, Technology, and Welfare

Mr.CV Anand, Telangana Home Secretary,  attended the Retreat 26’ programme of the Prisons Department as the Chief Guest, where he was briefed on six presentations delivered by various groups of officers. The presentations covered key areas including security, rehabilitation, de-addiction, welfare of inmates, women prisoners, and the adoption of latest technologies.

The annual retreat was highlighted as a valuable platform for brainstorming, enabling officers to express their thoughts freely, ideas that might otherwise remain unspoken, and to work towards practical solutions while shaping the future direction of the organisation.

While congratulating the officers for their efforts, Mr.Anand stressed the need to adopt modern systems of prison management and to leverage artificial intelligence for this purpose. He emphasised the use of drones for enhanced surveillance and the establishment of videoconferencing facilities in every jail to reduce the need for escorts.

He further underscored the importance of prisons functioning as correctional and reform centres, where inmates can develop hope for the future through reform. Focus was laid on improving their education, health, and skills in trades and goods manufacturing. 

CV Anand Wins Net Winner Award at Hyderabad Golf Association Monthly Tournament

Mr.Anand participated in the monthly tournament of the Hyderabad Golf Association, in which around 250 golfers took part. He was reported to have delivered one of his best performances to date, finishing 11 over the course and 5 under his handicap of 16.

The game featured several notable strokes, including a few risky attempts that paid off, along with very few mishits. His performance also included three to four long putts and effective course management.

As a result, he secured the Net Winner Award, marking the first such achievement in his four-year golfing journey. Having been playing golf once a fortnight, he expressed satisfaction with the outcome. 

Paid visit to DG Prisons Office, Reviews Functioning and Printing Unit

Mr.CV Anand, Home Secretary,  visited the main office of the Director General of Prisons at Chanchalguda, along with the adjacent Printing & Stationery office, as part of his field visits. He met with officers and was briefed through a presentation on various aspects of the functioning of the Prisons Department, including the number and categories of prisoners, the reformation and correctional services in place and their outcomes, proposals pending with the government, and the impact of budget shortages.

Subsequently, he toured the printing department, where he observed outdated printing machinery and equipment, dilapidated buildings and furniture, and leaking roofs. 

It was noted that the unit currently undertakes limited work, primarily printing annual government diaries, calendars, and electoral ballot papers. The printing press functioning in the legislative assembly was reported to be handling work related to budget documents, books, questions, and bills.

He also heard the concerns of officers through a presentation. The unit was described as a declining organisation, with indications that it may be wound up in due course, with employees retiring over time and no fresh recruitment being undertaken.

New Director of Sainik Welfare calls on Home Secretary

 Brigadier N. R. Babu called on the Home Secretary following his appointment as the new Director of Sainik Welfare. He has been appointed by the Hon’ble Chief Minister after an interview process conducted by a committee of secretaries and the Ministry of Defence India. A total of 29 retired officers had appeared for the interview. This marks the first regular appointment to the post since 2008.

Brigadier Babu is an alumnus of Sainik School Korukonda, after which he proceeded to the National Defence Academy and was commissioned from the Indian Military Academy.

He has rendered 40 years of unblemished service in the Army and the Border Security Force. A marathon runner and athlete, he is expected to contribute significantly to the welfare of around 35,000 retired ex-servicemen in Telangana and to introduce innovative schemes for their benefit.

Shares Experience on Conclusion of Budget Session

Mr.Anand shared his experience following the conclusion of the budget session of the Telangana Legislative Assembly, describing it as a particularly hectic period for the Home Department.

He noted that preparations began well in advance, with budget meetings held prior to the session from 16th March. During the discussion on grants to the Home Department, the concerned Secretary and other officers were required to be present inside the Assembly hall, where they listened to discussions and questions raised, and assisted ministers by providing brief notes, facts, and figures while the budget was being presented.

He further shared that several important bills, including the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Bill and the Advocates Protection Bill, required extensive work. These involved preparation, discussions, presentation before the Cabinet, incorporation of suggestions, and subsequent introduction in the Assembly by the concerned minister. Officers were also required to remain present during debates and replies until the bills were passed.

Reflecting on his earlier roles, he mentioned having spent three years as DCP Central Zone handling bandobust and security arrangements during Assembly sessions between 2001–04, and later serving for over six years as Additional Commissioner of Police and Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad City. However, he described his current role as Special Chief Secretary, Home Department, as a completely different and enriching administrative experience.