The Telangana Prisons Department on Monday proposed setting up a government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) within the premises of Central Prison in Cherlapalli with an objective of providing inmates with technical and vocational training to improve their employment prospects after release.

The proposal was reviewed by DG of prisons, Soumya Mishra during visits to training institutions in Hyderabad and the prison where the institute is planned. The initiative is aimed at equipping prisoners with industry-relevant skills, promoting self-reliance and supporting their reintegration into society by improving access to employment opportunities.

As part of the preparations, Ms. Mishra visited the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) and the National Skill Training Institute for Women (NSTI-W) in the city and interacted with trainees and faculty members to understand the practical aspects of vocational education and its role in enhancing employability.

She also held discussions with Ravi Chilukoti, Regional Director, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Director of Training, and Priya, Joint Director and Principal of NSTI for Women, on curriculum implementation, certification procedures and potential collaboration for prisoner skill development programmes.

She later visited Central Prison in Cherlapalli and reviewed the ongoing preparatory works, infrastructure requirements, affiliation procedures and other arrangements needed to operationalise the institute.