While most Indian States continue to struggle with overcrowded jails, Telangana presents a striking contrast, with its prisons operating at less than three-quarters of their sanctioned capacity, according to the latest Prison Statistics India 2023 report released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
As of December 31,2023, Telangana housed 5,853 prisoners against an authorised capacity of 8,037, resulting in an occupancy rate of just 72.8%. This figure stands well below the national average of 120.8%, where overcrowding remains a pressing concern.
Breaking down the inmate profile, Telangana lodged 3,863 convicts and 1,134 undertrials, with a further 413 inmates in sub-jails. Unlike many other States, Telangana’s sub-jails showed relatively low pressure, operating at 51.9% occupancy.
The State has one dedicated women’s jail with a capacity of 150. It housed just 62 female inmates, recording a notably low occupancy rate of 41.3%. Telangana also runs an open jail of similar size, which too accommodated only 62 prisoners.
In terms of correctional facilities, Telangana maintains a borstal institution meant for young offenders between 18 and 21 years of age. The centre had a capacity of 93 but reported no inmates during 2023.
