Hyderabad: Flood-hit people flood MeeSeva for Rs 10k aid

Hyderabad: MeeSeva centres in city were flooded on Monday by the people, who suffered losses due to the recent torrential rains and flash floods, making claim for Rs 10,000, following the government announcement that flood-affected families who are yet to get financial assistance may apply online and the amount will be credited in back accounts.

Even as hundreds flocked to MeeSeva centres, after the government assurance, at several locations the service providers had tough time handling the huge crowds. Though the process of distribution of relief resumed, but the due to technicalities involved in it made it a herculean task. Moreover, even the genuine flood-victims are apprehensive and fear that their application might be rejected.

"This is our right to get help from government but applying for it is showing us in a poor light like a fraud. On the earlier occasion even people who were not affected have received the amount easily," said Mohammed Azeem, a resident from Al-Jubail Colony which is one of the most affected areas in floods.

Even this has turned into a opportunity to make 'make hay' for MeeSeva centres which are charging fees with impunity. "The centres are charging fees for each application. If it is government which is providing relief why are the affected families forced to shell off money? And if the application is rejected all the efforts will going in vain," he felt.

On Monday, most of the MeeSeva centers near the flood-affected areas like Malakpet, Talabkatta, Hafiz Baba Nagar, Kapra, Saroornagar and other localities witnessed huge crowds, holding Aadhaar card and other documents and making beelines. "For each application form the centers are charged Rs 10 and as processing fees Rs 100 to Rs 200," said Sanjeev, a resident of Saroornagar.

Mujahed, another flood-hit applicant at Talabkatta, said "The centres are also charging huge amounts of Rs 250 to Rs 300, the government must fix an amount for each application," he noted.

Even as the application gets processed those who are involved seek Rs 2,000 cut, feels others. "Some leaders are also involving themselves and also seeking Rs 2000 for processing or getting assurance from applicants for helping them out," said Abdul Rahman, a social activist.

It may be mentioned here that the torrential rains in October affected thousands of families and the State government had sanctioned Rs 500 crore towards assistance Rs 10,000 for each. The State government had disbursed over Rs 475 crore to over 4.75 lakh families in city and later it was stopped. After several families protested, state government again resumed the distribution and asked them to apply through MeeSeva centres.