Praja Palana programme: People fume over non availability of applications

People turning up at the Praja Palana programme to file applications were fuming over non availability of applications and the consequent collection of exorbitant charges by photocopy centres.

There was also utter confusion applying for ration cards also. The State government had announced that applications would be distributed to people well in advance but many complained that they had not received the forms.

“I had to pay Rs.80 for one colour photo copy of the application at a photocopy centre. A few neighbours in our area managed to get the applications, but I did not receive any” said Ghousia Bee, an applicant at Sultan Nagar, Erragadda. Photocopy centres informed



that only colour forms were being accepted, she added.

This apart, the photocopy centres, which usually charge Rs.1 a copy, charged Rs.2 per copy for Aadhaar cards and other documents to be enclosed along with the applications. This is in addition to Rs.10 for filling the form.

A few people entered arguments with officials over lack of applications. “One person is selling the forms at Rs. 40 per copy, when questioned we get rude replies. When the issue was brought to the notice of officials at the centre, they did not respond at all. Why can’t the government arrange extra applications at the centres also” argued RK Murthy, an applicant at Mee Seva centre, Mothi Nagar.