Sale of Praja Palana forms in Hyderabad: Income certificates available for Rs 1,500; Old City residents cry foul

Hyderabad: Application forms of the Praja Palana program, which are supposed to be free, are being sold from Rs 40 to Rs 200 per form and people are being charged Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 per form for income certificates. Sources said that touts have taken more than 50 forms per person from government offices and are distributing them to the needy in exchange for money.

Complaints are pouring in from Old City as angry residents are complaining to social workers, non-government organisations and government officials about being charged for availing welfare benefits from the state.

“My neighbour bought the form for Rs 10 and a relative bought it for Rs 500. This is not fair. This is something the government is giving for free to the people who deserve it and these touts and third parties who have taken the forms in large numbers are making money by selling the forms. Strict action has to be taken against these people,” said Arif Hussain, a senior citizen from Charminar.

The forms are being sold in Charminar, Chandrayangutta, Rajendranagar, Tolichowki, and other parts of the Old City, allege residents. Tasneem, a resident of Tolichowki, said, “My son went to get the form and he was asked to pay Rs 40. Yesterday, his friend went and that boy was asked to pay a different price.”

Syed Safder Ali, a YouTuber from the Old City who made videos of people running around for forms was attacked on December 29, 2023. Those working on the ground with non-governmental organisations said, “The distribution of forms in Old City has been hijacked by a group of people. Many anti-social elements have the forms. The officials are not able to control it.”

Income certificate confusion

There is major confusion at the ground level as there is a demand for income certificates before giving the forms. Senior citizens or those who are not employed are being asked to pay Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 for income certificates. There is still no clarity on what is exactly required.

Political opportunity

The political parties and their workers have made the issues regarding the distribution of forms a political opportunity. Many social media users have posted photographs of the forms being sold in the open market.

“The forms are first being given to those who are affiliated to the political party. After that only others are being given. This is really sad. The government officials have no control and are not willing to say anything. Despite chief minister Revanth Reddy saying that there are enough forms, people are not willing to listen,” said Mohammed Nalwala, a businessman.

Warning of action

CM A Revanth Reddy has expressed strong dissatisfaction over the reported sale of applications meant for availing the benefits of government schemes during the ongoing Praja Palana program. The chief minister has issued a stern warning, emphasising stringent actions against the illicit sale of these applications.

In a recent review meeting, he directed officials to ensure an adequate supply of applications to meet the demand and clarified the process for existing and new beneficiaries of schemes like Rythu Bandhu and pensions.