Hyderabad, India, has launched a unique initiative called the 'Feel the Jail Experience' at the Telangana Prisons Museum, allowing participants to live like prisoners for either 12 or 24 hours. Inaugurated by Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, the program aims to educate the public about prison life, rehabilitation, and correctional systems through immersive experiences that include prison food and strict daily routines. According to Soumya Mishra, the Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, the initiative is not intended for entertainment but rather as a means to foster empathy and understanding of lawful conduct and social responsibility.

The Telangana Prisons Museum itself showcases the evolution of prison systems from harsh punishment models to modern rehabilitation-focused approaches. It features recreated old jail barracks, historical artifacts, and immersive displays that depict prison life over the years. The museum is now the fifth jail museum in India, following similar institutions in locations such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Kolkata.

Public interest in this initiative has grown, with many expressing curiosity on social media. While some view it as an educational opportunity, others find the concept surprising. The Telangana government emphasizes that the program is part of broader efforts to reform the prison system, including vocational training and social reintegration for inmates.