Opposition in Telangana has raised concerns about data security in the Praja Palana outreach program, following videos circulating on social media showing mishandling of application forms. A widely shared video depicts a youth dropping a carton box filled with forms in Hyderabad's Balanagar flyover, sparking doubts about responsible handling of documents containing sensitive information such as Aadhaar card details. It was later revealed that the forms were from people living in the Hayathnagar area of the city.
The Congress government launched Praja Palana forms on December 28, encouraging applications for five welfare schemes through a single form. Over 1.25 crore applications were received across Telangana for schemes like free LPG The online application upload process commenced after the program concluded on January 6. The form has details including address, mobile phone number, Aadhaar card and ration card details.
Meanwhile, Krishank Manne, a leader of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party, expressed concerns about data threats and alleged instances of anonymous phone calls seeking OTPs for identity verification. Putta Vishnuvardhan Reddy, another BRS leader, shared photos of forms allegedly kept in a cafe, questioning accountability.
Following concerns about potential data exploitation by cybercriminals, the Cybercrime police issued a public warning. K Shilpa Valli, Cyberabad Cyber Crime DCP, urged residents not to share information or OTPs with anyone claiming government scheme association and to avoid intermediaries.
Kodali Srinivas, a cybersecurity activist from Hyderabad, highlighted the lack of clear data collection guidelines, attributing it to data ending up with cybercriminals. "Haphazard form collection led to reports of sales and diversion to political agents. Corruption is the broader issue. People believe brokers can secure scheme benefits," he stated.
GHMC Commissioner Ronald Rose suspended the concerned official from Hayathnagar for negligence in duty. The suspension order on Tuesday, January 9 said that M Mahender, Superintendent, Tax Section, Circle 3- Hayathnagar was the competent authority to handle the forms and that he failed to supervise the transportation of the forms and thereby exhibited negligence in performing duties assigned to him.
The five welfare schemes for which lakhs of people are signing up through the Praja Palana forms include- Mahalakshmi, Rythu Bharosa, Gruha Jyothi, Indiramma Indlu and Cheyutha.