1994 batch IPS Officer Saumya Mishra’s Vision for Transforming Prisons
Reimagining correctional administration, Telangana Prisons & Correctional Services has launched two pioneering initiatives at Chanchalguda Central Jail: ‘Feel the Jail’ experience and a comprehensive Jail Museum. The initiatives were formally inaugurated by Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, marking a new chapter in the State’s approach to prisons as institutions of reform rather than mere confinement. At the centre of this transformation is Dr. Saumya Mishra, a 1994-batch IPS officer and the first woman IPS officer from Odisha, who currently serves as Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services in Telangana. “Here in Telangana, we are creating not just prisons, but spaces of transformation.” Says DG Prison Dr. Saumya Mishra.
In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, DG Prison- Telangana, Dr. Saumya Mishra, talks about the initiative, the vision behind it and comprehensive Prison reforms.
An Invitation to Confront Freedom by Losing It
“We confine the person: no cell phones, complete loss of freedom… they follow prison routine, wear prison uniform, eat prison meals, and work.” -Saumya Mishra
Adjacent to the at Chanchalguda Central Jail, Telangana Prisons Department has crafted an experience that is enlightening. The ‘Feel the Jail’ initiative allows ordinary citizens to step into a simulated prison environment for 12 or 24 hours, paying ₹1000 or ₹2000 respectively, not for curiosity alone, but for confrontation. Participants are stripped of personal comforts and cut off entirely from social life. They wear prison uniforms, use basic utensils like a plate and glass, sleep on standard barracks bedding, and use locally made soap and shampoo.
Within these carefully replicated spaces: single, group, high-security, and even female barracks, life unfolds with rigid discipline. The facility, though located adjacent to the real prison and not within its original walls, mirrors its structure with precision. The initiative, as Dr. Mishra explains, is meant to leave a lasting imprint: to make individuals realise that a single misstep can lead to a life where freedom is no longer theirs to command.
Tracing Centuries: The Jail Museum as a Chronicle of Change
“The Jail Museum traces prison history in Telangana from the Nizam era… showcasing evolution from punitive to correctional systems.”
Inaugurated alongside the ‘Feel the Jail’ programme, the Jail Museum stands as a powerful intellectual companion to the experiential initiative. It documents the history of prisons in the region from the 1700s during the Nizam era, capturing Hyderabad State’s administrative and penal landscape through artefacts, paintings, and archival narratives. The museum illustrates how prison systems have evolved from rigid, colonial-era punitive mechanisms to modern frameworks centered on reform and rehabilitation.
One historical insight highlighted by Dr. Mishra is that of a British scholar visiting Hyderabad in the 1920s, who observed that prison conditions here were in some respects better than those in Britain at the time. This legacy of relative progressiveness is something Telangana now seeks to build upon. The museum is not merely a display of the past; it is a statement of continuity, of how historical values of humane treatment are being reinterpreted in contemporary correctional policy.
A Philosophy Rooted in Reform, Not Retribution
“We are changing the approach, from punitive to reformative… hate the crime, not the criminal.”
At the core of Telangana’s prison transformation lies a philosophical vision. Drawing from Mahatma Gandhi’s principle, the system now views incarceration as an opportunity for change rather than mere punishment. This shift is influencing policy, programmes, and everyday prison life. Even national observances reflect this ethos: October 2, celebrated as Prisoner Welfare Day, reinforces the idea of rehabilitation, legal rights, and reintegration.
Dr. Mishra emphasises that prisons in Telangana are being reimagined as spaces where individuals can rebuild themselves. The ‘Feel the Jail’ initiative complements this philosophy by acting as a preventive tool for society, while the internal reforms ensure that those already within the system are given a genuine chance at transformation. Together, they create a dual framework, deterrence for the public and dignity for inmates.
Work, Skill, and the Economics of Reintegration
“We train them, give them expertise, and even create markets within prison so they can sustain life after release.”
Inside Telangana’s prisons, the rhythm of daily life is built around productivity and purpose. Inmates are engaged in activities such as farming, weaving, carpentry, tailoring, and embroidery, skills that are not only therapeutic but economically relevant. The administration goes a step further by organising exhibition stalls within prison premises, where these products are displayed and sold, connecting inmates directly with consumers. This model transforms prisons into micro-economies of skill and production. Dr. Mishra notes that over 100 released prisoners are now leading transformed lives, earning livelihoods and integrating into society with dignity.
In a particularly innovative move, inmates who have spent more than three years in prison are offered loans, either interest-free or at minimal interest, so they can support their families even during incarceration. This approach recognises that financial stability is a critical factor in preventing reoffending and ensures that imprisonment does not completely sever an individual’s social and economic ties.
Education Behind Bars: From Illiteracy to Gold Medals
“We have MoUs with NIOS and Dr. Ambedkar Open University… the results are clearly visible.”
Education has emerged as one of the most transformative pillars of Telangana’s correctional system. Through structured programmes often described as “thumb in, sign out” literacy initiatives, inmates are encouraged to pursue academic goals. Collaborations with the National Institute of Open Schooling enable prisoners to complete their schooling, while partnerships with Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University provide opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate education. The outcomes speak volumes: 106 inmates cleared their Class 10 examinations in a single year, while more than 20 secured gold medals in higher education courses.
These achievements represent more than academic success; they signify a reclaiming of identity and self-worth. Education within prison becomes a powerful equaliser, offering inmates the intellectual tools and confidence needed to rebuild their lives once released.
Healthcare, De-Addiction, and Human Dignity
“We take care of their well-being… empathy is very important in Telangana prisons.”
A humane correctional system cannot exist without prioritising the physical and emotional health of inmates. Telangana’s prisons have made significant strides in this regard, conducting around 70 surgeries and facilitating over 30 safe deliveries in a single year under professional medical supervision. Drug de-addiction centres, operating under WHO norms, provide structured rehabilitation for inmates struggling with substance abuse.
These initiatives show an understanding that crime often intersects with health, addiction, and socio-economic vulnerabilities. By addressing these underlying factors, the system aims to reduce recidivism and promote long-term change. Dr. Saumya Mishra highlights that empathy is central to this approach, ensuring that inmates are treated not merely as offenders, but as individuals capable of recovery and growth.
Technology and the Making of Smart Prisons
“We have almost all modern technologies… drones and robotics are the next step.” Saumya Mishra
Telangana’s vision for prison reform is also deeply intertwined with technological advancement. The State is moving towards a model of smart prisons, integrating AI-driven CCTV surveillance, facial recognition systems, biometric databases, and advanced scanning technologies to manage both security and administration. These innovations were prominently showcased during the 7th All India Prison Duty Meet hosted in Hyderabad, which brought together over 1,200 participants from 21 states and 3 Union Territories. Telangana emerged as the overall champion with 28 medals, including 21 golds, while also introducing a first-of-its-kind tech expo featuring drones, robotics, and integrated management systems. Building on this momentum, the department is organising a dedicated Techno Expo to further highlight smart-prison solutions.
These platforms not only showcase innovation but also position Telangana as a leader in correctional reform, with several states drawing inspiration from its model.
Changing Mindsets Within and Beyond Prison Walls
“Even my own approach has changed, it is now more reformative than punitive.” -DG-Prison, Dr. Saumya Mishra
One of the most profound impacts of Telangana’s prison reforms is the shift in institutional mindset. Dr. Mishra candidly reflects on how her own perspective evolved after taking charge as DG Prisons in December 2023. This transformation extends across the police and prison departments, inducing a culture where correctional work is seen as an opportunity for societal impact rather than mere enforcement.
The ‘Feel the Jail’ initiative contributes to this shift by bridging the gap between citizens and the correctional system, encouraging empathy and understanding. Early responses, though modest, with around 60 visitors to the museum and a handful experiencing the jail simulation are expected to grow, particularly among students. Special packages have been introduced to encourage educational visits, positioning the initiative as a long-term deterrence strategy rather than a short-term attraction.
Stories That Define the Purpose of Reform
“Reformation is possible if there is dedication.”
Among the many life stories emerging from Telangana’s prisons, one story encapsulates the essence of reform, a prisoner who spent nearly 20 years behind bars and is now actively engaged in social service after release. For Dr. Mishra and her team, such transformations are not exceptions but proof of concept. They demonstrate that with the right combination of discipline, opportunity, and support, even the most hardened trajectories can be redirected. These stories serve as both inspiration and validation, reinforcing the belief that prisons can and should function as spaces of renewal.
Looking Ahead: A Quiet Revolution in Justice
“Don’t judge this initiative in the short term, look at it after two or three years.” – Saumya Mishra
The ‘Feel the Jail’ initiative may appear modest in scale today, but its ambition is far-reaching. It seeks to influence behaviour not through fear alone, but through understanding. By allowing citizens to experience, even briefly, the constraints of incarceration, it aims to cultivate a deeper respect for law and personal responsibility. Combined with comprehensive reforms in education, healthcare, skill development, and technology, Telangana is crafting a correctional model that balances deterrence with dignity. As more States begin to take note and learn from its practices, the initiative stands as part of a broader movement, one that redefines justice not as an end, but as a process of transformation.
