Telangana Prisons Department Felicitates 78 Inmates Clearing SSC via NIOS

The Telangana Prisons Department felicitated 78 inmates who successfully cleared their Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) during a ceremony on Wednesday. The felicitation event, conducted for the first time by the department, recognized successful candidates from Central Prison in Cherlapalli, Central Prison in Nizamabad, and the Special Prison for Women in Hyderabad.

Speaking at the event, Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services Dr Soumya Mishra stated that the educational initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to rehabilitate prisoners through education. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with NIOS enabled the inmates to pursue secondary education. Out of 108 prisoners enrolled across the three facilities, 78 passed following a year of structured preparation that included regular classes, mock tests, and pre-board examinations.

According to prison authorities, curriculum subjects were chosen for their practical utility and ease of learning, including Data Entry Operator skills training. Certificates were formally distributed to successful candidates during the function. Dr Mishra described the outcome as a milestone in prisoner rehabilitation, praising the inmates for their perseverance and urging them to use their education to build dignified futures.

Of the 78 successful candidates, 56 inmates cleared the examination from Central Prison, Cherlapalli, 15 passed from Central Prison, Nizamabad, and 7 cleared the course from the Special Prison for Women, Hyderabad. Building on these results, the department is motivating inmates to pursue Senior Secondary (10+2) education under NIOS, with 47 prisoners already enrolled. SSC graduates will also be eligible for undergraduate degree programmes through Dr B.R. Ambedkar Open University and ITI courses at Cherlapalli prison.

During the event, several inmates shared personal experiences, noting that a past lack of education had affected their confidence and standing in society. One inmate expressed a determination to pursue legal studies and offer free legal aid to fellow inmates, while another reflected on missed educational opportunities during childhood.

Dr Mishra announced Director General's remission for all successful candidates as an incentive for their effort. She also thanked NIOS officials, including Parampreet Singh and Dr Praveen Chauhan, for their support. The event was attended by senior prison officials, NIOS representatives, teachers, and staff.