Two correctional institutions in Telangana receive total of six ISO certificates

Two correctional institutions in Telangana have obtained a total of six ISO certificates in the fields of quality management, environmental protection, energy conservation, and food safety. According to a report by The Hindu, the prison department has described this achievement as a first-of-its-kind feat in the Indian prison system.

Central Prison located in Cherlapally has secured a total of four certificates, while the State Institute of Correctional Administration (SICA) located at Chanchalguda has obtained two certificates. These certificates recognise improvements made in prison administration, food preparation and distribution processes, environmental management, and institutional processes.

Cherlapally Central Prison has been awarded ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, ISO 50001 for energy management, and ISO 22000 for food safety management. Measures such as increased use of solar energy, energy conservation, development of greenery, and efficient use of resources have been implemented in this prison. Additionally, storage and handling methods have been improved to enhance food hygiene; food trays are kept covered during storage and transport, are distributed on time, and a steam-based cooking method is used for rice.

Administrative processes have also been streamlined through systematic documentation, maintenance of registers and records, monitoring of institutional activities, and adherence to prescribed procedures. On the other hand, SICA located at Chanchalguda has obtained ISO 9001 (quality management) and ISO 22000 (food safety management) for administration, correctional training, and food safety standards.

These certificates were awarded during Quality Month and World Quality Week, which were observed from 9 to 13 November. Director General of Prisons Soumya Mishra presented these certificates to G. Pramod, Superintendent of Cherlapally Central Prison, and S. Srinivas Reddy, Principal of SICA.

Addressing the gathering, Director General Soumya Mishra stated that these certificates reflect the department's efforts to introduce internationally recognised standards in prison administration. He emphasised the need for continuous monitoring, systematic documentation, hygienic practices, and organised administration to maintain these standards.

The programme was attended by Hari Chand Danasari, Secretary of the Labour, Employment, Training and Factories Department, A. Kranti Wesley, Director of Employment and Training, Sivya Alapati, Managing Director of HYM International Certifications, and other senior prison officials.

The Telangana Prison Department works for the administration of prisons and the rehabilitation of prisoners. It manages the prison system in the state and attempts to bring transformation in the lives of prisoners through correctional activities.