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.