Telangana Prisons Department plans to establish Government Industrial Training Institute in Cherlapalli Jail

In a move aimed at bridging a gap in its vocational rehabilitation programme, the Telangana Prisons Department is planning to establish a Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Cherlapalli Jail exclusively for inmates.

The proposed ITI is expected to offer training in modern and industry-relevant trades, including computer skills, Data Entry Operator (DEO) courses, electronics repair, food processing and renewable energy, besides other vocational courses. The objective is to give inmates skills that can translate into employment after their release.

At present, inmates are trained in about 20 trades across prison industries, ranging from steel, manufacturing, carpentry, tailoring, weaving, farming, soap-making, agarbatti production, paper-bag manufacturing and beekeeping. However, the Prisons Department acknowledges that inmates currently do not receive recognised certificates on completing most of these vocational programmes.

The proposed ITI is intended to address that limitation by bringing certified vocational training into the prison system. Officials say recognised qualifications could improve the employment prospects of released prisoners, particularly at a time when social stigma remains one of the biggest barriers as they return to the mainstream.

The move comes against the backdrop of an expanding prison-industry programme. As on date, 1,622 inmates are engaged exclusively in prison industries, where they receive wages according to their skill level. Daily wages range from ₹100 for unskilled work to ₹200 for highly skilled work.

Bangles made by prisoners at Telangana jails.
| Photo Credit:
By Arrangement

Director General of Prisons, Soumya Mishra, said that the department began introducing the training beyond traditional prison trades. Data Entry Operator training has resulted in 78 prisoners successfully passing an NIOS examination and receiving certification, while collaborations with skill-development institutions have expanded training in computer operation, beauty care, embroidery, jute craft, textile printing and other areas.

The proposed ITI would take this approach further by providing a structured, recognised vocational qualification within the prison environment.

“The department is also looking to align training with emerging employment opportunities. Officials have identified digital skills, electronics repair, food processing and renewable energy among the areas that could improve the employability of inmates after release,” said the officer.

There are some direct employment pathways. During the most recent premature release programme, 304 inmates were released, of whom 111 were offered employment at prison fuel outlets. Twelve women received sewing machines to begin tailoring as a livelihood. At present, 172 released prisoners are employed at prison fuel outlets across Telangana.

The department says the larger challenge is social stigma, with some employers still reluctant to hire former prisoners. Recognised qualifications could potentially help inmates compete for employment on the basis of skills rather than solely their past.

The ITI plan is therefore being positioned as more than another training programme. If implemented, it could provide the prison vocational system with a formal certification pathway, allowing inmates to leave prison not merely having learnt a trade, but carrying a qualification that can be presented to prospective employers.