On the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Telangana Prisons department inaugurated a de-addiction centre named ‘Nivruthi’ at the Special Prison for Women in Hyderabad.

Soumya Mishra, Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Telangana, said that drug abuse is not just a health problem but a serious social, emotional and economic issue that affects individuals, families and communities. She stressed that every person affected by addiction deserves a chance at recovery and reintegration.

The Nivruthi Centre is aimed at offering support to inmates struggling with addiction. It is named after the Sanskrit word meaning ‘liberation’ or ‘retreat’. DG Soumya Mishra said every inmate has a choice, either continue on the path of addiction and crime or choose recovery and reform. She said the department is committed to helping those who want to change.

She acknowledged the support of Tharuni, an NGO and Kondaveeti Satyavati of Bhumika Women’s Collective.

The event was also attended by D. Srinivas, DIG of Prisons (Hyderabad Range), N. Shiva Kumar Goud, Superintendent of Central Prison, Hyderabad, and T. Venkatalakshmi Srinadh, Superintendent of the Special Prison for Women, Hyderabad.