MeeSeva centres in Telangana under scrutiny over overcharging, corruption concerns and agent nexus

Set up as a one-stop solution to cut red tape and curb corruption, MeeSeva centres across Telangana were designed to bring government services closer to the people. But on the ground, a different reality is unfolding, one where citizens say they are being pushed into paying far beyond official rates, often at their most vulnerable moments.

From April 1, the Telangana government revised e-service charges at MeeSeva centres, marginally increasing fees. A birth or death certificate, category A services, now costs ₹62, up from ₹35. A caste certificate costs ₹80, up from ₹45. The increases are modest. What is not, however, is what many citizens say they are actually paying.