Hyderabad, Sep 26 The Telangana Prisons and Correctional Services Department has been honoured with the prestigious SKOCH Award 2026 for its innovative initiative of establishing “NIVRUTTI” De-Addiction Centres in prisons of the state.
The award was conferred at the 109th SKOCH Summit – India Economic Forum, held in New Delhi, recognising the Department’s innovative and rehabilitation-oriented approach towards addressing substance dependence among prisoners, an official release said.
The award was received by Telangana Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services Soumya Mishra, from Rohan Kochhar, Founder, SKOCH Law Offices, and Sameer Kochhar, Chairman, SKOCH Group, it said.
The NIVRUTTI initiative, established under the leadership of Soumya Mishra, provides prisoners access to scientific de-addiction treatment, counselling, behavioural support and rehabilitation, with a focus on helping them lead a healthy and responsible life after release.
The NIVRUTTI De-Addiction Centres, established at central prisons in Hyderabad, Cherlapalli, Sangareddy, Nizamabad and the Special Prison for Women, Hyderabad, aim to address substance-use disorders among prisoners through a comprehensive approach involving identification and screening, counselling, treatment, rehabilitation and continued support for reintegration into society after release.
The NIVRUTTI De-Addiction initiative is aligned with Telangana government’s vision of creating a Drug-Free Telangana and is implemented with support under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
As part of the initiative, 4,200 inmates were screened for substance-use concerns, 2,126 inmates underwent WHO-ASSIST screening and received counselling and treatment support, and 300 released prisoners were followed up after release.
The initiative places emphasis not merely on treatment during incarceration but also on behavioural change, rehabilitation and continuity of care after release. The objective is to help prisoners overcome addiction, rebuild their lives and return to society as responsible and productive citizens, the release said.
The effectiveness of the NIVRUTTI programme has also been assessed through an impact study conducted by APCA, Vellore, it said.
The findings of the study were presented at the International Research in Corrections Conference (IRCC)–2026, held in Auckland, New Zealand, providing an international platform to showcase Telangana’s innovative correctional and rehabilitation approach.
Soumya Mishra stated that NIVRUTTI reflects the department’s commitment to providing prisoners with an opportunity to overcome addiction, regain confidence and rebuild their lives. She further emphasised that rehabilitation should extend beyond the prison environment through continued support, aftercare and social reintegration following release.
Following their treatment, several inmates have also sought guidance on continuing their education, developing skills and focusing on their careers after release, reflecting their efforts towards rebuilding their lives and achieving successful social reintegration, the release said.
The NIVRUTTI initiative represents a significant step towards creating a healthier and more rehabilitative prison environment and contributing to the larger goal of a drug-free and inclusive society, the release added.
(PTI News)
