Prisons in Andhra Pradesh Turn Inmates into Skilled Workers

Prisons in Andhra Pradesh are changing lives by equipping inmates with valuable skills. In 2023, inmates produced goods worth Rs 12.23 crore, a 44% jump from Rs 8.51 crore in 2022, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

The state’s four central prisons—Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, Nellore, and Kadapa—house around 2,200 convicts. Many participate in vocational training programs designed to match their skills and behavior. Life convicts can also earn wages during their sentences, supporting rehabilitation and personal growth.

Officials say these programs keep inmates engaged while preparing them for life after prison. “The work is voluntary,” said a state prisons department official. “It gives inmates a sense of purpose and valuable skills.”

Products made by inmates are sold through in-house outlets, government offices, and retail stalls inside prison premises. Items include bakery goods, jute bags, bath towels, carpets, fruits, and notebooks.

At Visakhapatnam Central Prison, inmates work in farming, steel furniture production, and the bakery. The prison bakery, known for cakes, cream buns, bread, and biscuits, attracts many customers at Sudhar Mart near the prison. “Our bakery products sell well because we avoid chemicals and artificial ingredients,” said Superintendent M. Mahesh Babu.

These programs give inmates a second chance, helping them gain skills that can sustain them after release. Andhra Pradesh’s focus on vocational training and rehabilitation is setting a benchmark for prison reform, aiming to reduce recidivism and support successful reintegration into society.