Telangana: T app folio used only to apply for certificates

Hyderabad: Two-and-a-half months after the release of T-app-folio, users are primarily using it to apply for certificates. T app folio is the official digital application of the Telangana government that currently offers 150 services in one app with an intention to simplify the process of accessing government services. But, people use it only to apply for certificates despite the options on offer.

Additionally, users also complain that despite using the facility provided by the government, the request remains in queue. While some allege delay in processing applications, others point that their applications are not even being considered.

According to one user, “It’s been two months since I applied for a caste certificate, but there has been no progress in the status of the application.” A quick look at the play store for the app shows a barrage of user complaints of not receiving certificates or of pending application status. Some of them even felt that it was better to apply at mee-seva instead of using the app.

Punnam Chander, another user of the app, said, "I submitted the application for income and caste certificate in February 2018, but never got it, and when I filed a complaint, they advised me to visit the nearest mee-seva centre. If there are some documents missing, it should notify us during the application process rather than make us wait.”

While the Electronic Services Department (ESD) works with other departments to expedite requests coming from the app, officials noted that the app was only to ease the process of application and not to reduce the timeline.

G.T. Venkateshwar Rao, IRS, Commissioner ESD said, “This app doesn’t reduce the SLA (service level agreement) time but mobile app users expect a quicker response. Mobile is only for applying, the process remains the same. People tend to complain within 5-10 days of filing their application. We are working with participating departments and have, in this regard, already issued two Government Orders (GOs) requesting them to try to clear it fast. We have to slowly bring a change in thinking of our side officers so that we can clear applications faster and quicker.”

Many users use the applications only to apply for certificates. Officials pointed that because there are a wide set of options already available for paying electricity bill or prepaid, people are yet to be tuned. Meanwhile, the app is soon to get additional services of at least 100-150 by June. “We will be releasing services phase-wise and rolling out 100-150 services in 1.5 months and are plan to bring TSRTC application on T-app folio.”