An interesting incident has come to light at the Kurupam-2 Village Secretariat in Manyam district at a time when the government is accepting applications for new pensions. Allegations have surfaced that TDP workers are interfering in the pension application process.
Visuals have emerged showing a TDP worker allegedly occupying the seat meant for the Digital Assistant at the village secretariat and directly uploading pension applications.
TDP Worker Seen Using Digital Assistant’s Seat
At the Kurupam-2 Village Secretariat, a TDP worker was reportedly seen performing duties from the seat designated for the Digital Assistant. Locals allege that the worker asked secretariat staff to move aside and entered and uploaded pension applications of people considered favourable to the party.
A video reportedly shows a person identified as Sukesh Chandra Panda uploading applications allegedly submitted on behalf of TDP workers.
Allegations of Preferential Treatment
The Chandrababu government is currently accepting applications for new pensions ahead of the local body elections in the state. Applications are expected to be accepted from all eligible beneficiaries and processed according to the prescribed rules before pensions are sanctioned.
However, allegations are now being raised that applications recommended by TDP leaders are being given priority at the Kurupam-2 Village Secretariat. The issue has triggered a political controversy locally.
YSRCP Questions Political Interference
YSRCP leaders and supporters have criticised the alleged involvement of ruling-party workers in the functioning of village secretariats. They claim that political interference in government offices, where public services are supposed to be delivered impartially, is increasing across the state.
They further alleged that allowing political party workers to perform tasks assigned to secretariat employees goes against established procedures and could potentially affect eligible beneficiaries.
Questions Over Transparency in Pension Selection
Questions are being raised over why a TDP worker was allegedly allowed to interfere in the official duties of secretariat staff.
Opposition leaders and locals have alleged that applications are being uploaded selectively for people favoured by the ruling party, potentially denying genuine beneficiaries a fair opportunity to receive pensions.
Amid these allegations, there are growing demands for the pension application and beneficiary-selection process to be conducted in a transparent and impartial manner, ensuring that all eligible applicants are treated equally.
