Its main objective is to convert its inmates into ordinary members of society by providing them with useful skills, education, and respect for the law.

Beginning in 1984, additional facilities were constructed, and the complex became Tihar Prison, also the largest jail in India.

Over the years, its activities have expanded to include Carpentry, Weaving (Handloom & Powerloom), Tailoring, chemicals, Handmade paper, Commercial art, and baking.

[12] A CSR initiative has been launched to provide a Level 4 training program comprising 340 hours of coursework to 1,200 inmates from the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) to empower inmates for a productive post-release life, as a step toward the rehabilitation of undertrials incarcerated for minor offences.

[13] Sher Singh Rana, who had been arrested for the murder of Phoolan Devi in 2001, escaped from Tihar jail in February 2004.

[28] The Integrated Counseling and Testing Centre reports that around 6% to 8% of the 11,800 Tihar inmates are HIV-positive, which is considerably higher than the HIV rate among the general population in India.