The Telangana Prisons Department recently inaugurated a groundbreaking Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project at the Cherlapalli Prison Agriculture Colony. This innovative facility is designed to seamlessly blend prisoner rehabilitation with meaningful community engagement.
Director General of Police (DGP) Jitender officially launched the project, commending Soumya Mishra, Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, for her visionary leadership. DGP Jitender highlighted how this initiative, originally his own concept, masterfully integrates educational and recreational elements, providing a valuable platform for children, students, and families. He noted that it truly embodies the Department’s progressive commitment to social responsibility.
The facility itself is packed with diverse offerings: a serene yoga center, an exciting adventure zone, a fun mini-golf course, and engaging “farm-to-plate” experiences. A key highlight is the series of farming awareness programs, specifically crafted to educate children and students about agricultural practices. The overarching goal is to foster a deep respect for agriculture, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance understanding of food security among the youth.
Soumya Mishra emphasized the Prisons Department’s dedication to transcending traditional correctional duties by actively building stronger connections with society. She underscored that this project will also offer vital employment and job training opportunities for both released prisoners and those in open-air facilities. Over 30 inmates are expected to participate, earning wages to support their families and gain crucial skills for successful reintegration into the community.
DGP Jitender further remarked that the hands-on farming experiences offered through this project would undoubtedly inspire children and students. He believes this initiative will cultivate a greater appreciation among young citizens for the indispensable role of agriculture in their daily lives.
The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of numerous esteemed guests, including senior serving and retired police officers. Notable attendees included G. Sudheer Babu, Commissioner of Police Rachakonda; M. Ramesh, Managing Director of the Telangana Police Housing Corporation; Kartikeya, IGP Intelligence; Tafseer Iqbal, IGP Multi Zone-II; P. V. Padmaja, Deputy Commissioner of Police Malkajgiri Zone; retired IG Prisons M.R. Ahmed; retired IG A. Narasimha; N. Murali Babu, IG Prisons; N. Shivakumar Goud, Superintendent of Jails, Central Prison Cherlapalli; and D. Kalidas, Superintendent of the Prisoners Agricultural Colony (FAC).