Prison Reforms Reviewed During Cherlapalli Jail Visit

Home Secretary Mr.CV Anand visited  the Cherlapalli Jail as part of field inspections of the Prisons Department. The facility, established in 2000, was recalled as one of the most modern prisons in the country at the time of its inauguration, noted for promoting the concept of prisons as correctional rather than purely punitive institutions.

During the visit, the premises were inspected and a detailed briefing was provided by Director General of Prisons Soumya Mishra and her team. It was informed that the prison currently houses around 1,950 convicted and undertrial inmates. A structured daily routine is followed, beginning with yoga and physical training, and including education, skill development, sports, and recreation, along with regular meals.

Facilities such as a well-maintained hospital, classrooms, and a library were observed. Skill development initiatives include tailoring and computer education. Particular attention was drawn to prison industries, where inmates are engaged in the production of items such as durries, carpets, woven products, phenyl, soaps, sanitizers, detergents, bakery products, garments, mats, furniture, and other goods.

It was noted that inmates are paid daily wages, which they are able to save and send to their families. Rehabilitation measures such as prison-run petrol bunks, legal aid, and interest-free loans are also being implemented. Interactions were held with inmates, who expressed a desire for more liberal parole and furlough provisions to enable more frequent family visits.