Telangana Prisons wins SKOCH Award for de-addiction initiative

The Telangana Prisons and Correctional Services Department has won the SKOCH Award–2026 for its NIVRUTTI de-addiction centres, an initiative under which 4,200 inmates have been screened for substance-use concerns across five prisons in the State.

The award, recognising the department’s rehabilitation-oriented approach to substance dependence among prisoners, was presented at the 109th SKOCH Summit — India Economic Forum at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi.

According to the department, of the 4,200 inmates screened for substance-use concerns, 2,126 underwent WHO-ASSIST screening and received counselling and treatment support. Another 300 prisoners were followed up after their release.

The initiative is supported under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction of the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The programme extends drug-demand reduction, treatment and rehabilitation measures to prisoners.

Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services Soumya Mishra received the award from Rohan Kochhar, founder of SKOCH Law Offices, and Sameer Kochhar, chairman of SKOCH Group. Deputy Inspector General of Prisons M. Sampath was also present.

NIVRUTTI de-addiction centres have been established at Central Prison Hyderabad, Central Prison Cherlapalli, Central Prison Sangareddy, Central Prison Nizamabad and the Special Prison for Women, Hyderabad.

The programme combines identification and screening of inmates with counselling, treatment, behavioural support and rehabilitation. It also seeks to ensure continuity of care after prisoners are released and assist their reintegration into society.

The department said an impact study of NIVRUTTI was conducted by APCA, Vellore, and its findings were presented at the International Research in Corrections Conference–2026 in Auckland, New Zealand.

Highlighting the programme’s impact, the department said one inmate reportedly chose to postpone his bail to continue treatment. Several inmates who underwent treatment also sought guidance on continuing their education, developing skills and pursuing careers after release.