Pay Rs 2,000 and live like a prisoner for a day: Hyderabad Central Jail introduces 'Feel the Jail' initiative

In a unique initiative, Hyderabad’s Chanchalguda Central Prison on Tuesday introduced “Feel the Jail”, a programme that gives citizens a chance to experience life inside a prison for either 12 or 24 hours.

Participants opting for the full 24-hour experience will have to pay Rs 2,000, while a 12-hour stay has been priced at Rs 1,000.

As part of the programme, visitors will stay in specially prepared prison cells, eat food served to inmates and follow routines similar to those followed by prisoners, offering them a glimpse into jail life and the importance of personal freedom.

Photos circulating on social media show basic prison-style arrangements, including narrow beds with black blankets, along with metal plates and drinking glasses placed beside them.

Reacting to the social media post one user said, "Will they also get a similar beating from their fellow mates like they get in real time jail. Can they also pee in the corner of the jail. Will they get a blade mark on their face or neck from blunt spoons or metal. Ransom we can leave for now since they’re paying already"

While another said, "Finally, a staycation where checkout isn’t optional and the room service comes with steel plates and strict timings."

According to an NDTV report, the newly inaugurated Jail Museum traces the evolution of prisons from the Nizam era to present-day correctional systems.

The Chanchalguda museum is inspired by the “one-day jail experience” offered earlier at the Sangareddy Heritage Prison Museum, which had drawn widespread public interest, added the report.

Reportedly, officials said the programme is intended to raise awareness about discipline, the legal system and prison life, particularly among young people.