Removal of Private SCAs

Exit of SCAs RamInfo, HCL, CMS, Sreeven

Franchisees operating under SCAs such as RamInfo, HCL, Sreeven, CMS, and TSOnline (CSC) faced several challenges, including delayed commission payments, unauthorized allotment of new centers without ESD's approval, and the illegal transfer or sale of franchise logins to third parties—violations of ESD rules. In response, the Telangana MeeSeva Federation raised these concerns with the Commissioner of ESD (MeeSeva) and successfully advocated for the government to intervene. As a result, the MeeSeva centers previously managed by these SCAs were taken over by Telangana State Technology Services (TSTS), now known as TGTS, a government-owned agency under the Government of Telangana.

Ensuring Return of Commission and Security Deposit Dues by Private SCAs During the Takeover Process

by RamInfo, HCL, CMS, Sreeven

During the transition of MeeSeva franchise centers from private SCAs to Telangana State Technology Services (TSTS), the Telangana MeeSeva Federation (TGMF) played a crucial role in safeguarding the financial interests of franchisees. One of the key achievements was compelling private SCAs—such as RamInfo, HCL, Sreeven, and CMS—to return long-pending commission payments and security deposits to franchise owners.

With the active support of Sri G.T. Venkateshwar Rao, Commissioner of ESD (MeeSeva), TGMF’s efforts ensured that these financial dues were cleared, addressing a longstanding concern and providing much-needed relief to affected franchisees during the takeover process.

This timely intervention not only restored financial stability for the affected franchisees but also strengthened trust and collaboration between the franchise network and government authorities, ultimately contributing to the improved efficiency and reliability of MeeSeva service delivery across Telangana.

Addressing Name and Address Change Challenges During the 2016 SCA Takeover

During Franchise takeover process by TSTS SCA

During the 2016 transition of MeeSeva franchise centers from private SCAs—RamInfo, Sreeven, HCL, CMS, and TSOnline (CSC)—to the Telangana State Technology Services (TSTS, now TGTS), several franchisees encountered major hurdles related to ownership transfers and address changes. These changes were flagged by TSTS as violations of the Electronic Services Delivery (ESD) Rules, 2011, resulting in objections to the takeover of affected centers. Consequently, franchise owners experienced significant financial and emotional distress due to delays and uncertainty in the process.

To resolve these pressing issues, the Telangana MeeSeva Federation (TGMF) intervened decisively. The Federation successfully advocated for a one-time settlement allowing the government to approve the takeover of franchise centers even in cases where there were discrepancies related to name or address changes. This landmark decision brought crucial relief to many franchisees whose centers would otherwise have been disqualified from the transition.

In addition to this settlement, TGMF lobbied for the creation of a formal mechanism to accommodate future ownership transfers and address modifications under special conditions. This provision has since become essential for safeguarding the interests of franchisees who have made substantial investments and need flexibility to continue operations.

Through these persistent efforts, TGMF not only mitigated the immediate financial and mental burden on affected franchisees but also helped streamline procedures for future transitions. This intervention significantly strengthened the overall stability and effectiveness of the MeeSeva service delivery system across Telangana.

Increase in Franchisee Commissions & Addition of Scanning Charges for MeeSeva services in 2017

For the first time since launch in 2011

Despite multiple representations from various associations prior to the formation of the Telangana MeeSeva Federation (TGMF), the commissions for services rendered by MeeSeva franchisees had remained unchanged since the platform's inception in 2011.

Following the establishment of TGMF (previously known as the Telangana MeeSeva Franchise Owners Welfare Association – TMFOWA), the Federation submitted several comprehensive representations to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Minister and Secretary of the ITE&C Department, and the Commissioner of ESD (MeeSeva), Government of Telangana. These submissions emphasized the need to revise the commission structure, taking into account factors such as service time, manpower involvement, infrastructure maintenance, and operational costs borne by the franchisees.

As a direct outcome of these sustained efforts, the Government approved an increase in service commissions for MeeSeva franchisees — the first revision since the platform’s launch. Additionally, recognizing the operational burden imposed by document scanning requirements, the government authorized franchisees to collect scanning charges at the rate of ₹2 per page beyond the first five pages, thereby providing partial relief to franchisees managing high-volume documentation.

However, TGMF has noted that the revised commission rates remain insufficient to offset the actual operational and maintenance expenses involved in running MeeSeva centers. The Federation has therefore continued to advocate for a more realistic and sustainable commission structure that reflects the true cost of delivering these public services.

In response to these ongoing representations, Sri T. Ravi Kiran, IFS, Commissioner, ESD (MeeSeva), has initiated formal proposals to enhance user charges and, by extension, franchisee commissions. These proposals have been submitted to the Government of Telangana and are currently under consideration.

TGMF remains committed to ensuring that MeeSeva franchisees receive fair compensation for their services, thereby supporting the long-term financial viability of the centers and maintaining the quality and reliability of public service delivery through the MeeSeva platform.

Reduction of Security Deposit Amount and Complete Waive off of Annual Maintenance Charges

For MeeSeva Franchise Appointment and Renewals

After the appointment of Telangana State Technology Services (TSTS) as the new SCA, a Security Deposit of Rs. 20,000 was mandated for both Rural and Urban franchisees, alongside Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) of Rs. 10,000 for Urban and Rs. 7,500 for Rural franchisees. These revised fees marked a substantial increase from previous rates, placing considerable financial pressure on franchisees.

In response, the Telangana MeeSeva Federation (TGMF) formally submitted a request on 23-05-2017, urging the reduction of the Security Deposit to Rs. 10,000 and the complete removal of AMC charges, citing the franchisees’ existing financial constraints.

Following these appeals, the government initially agreed to reduce the Security Deposit and AMC to Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 5,000 respectively for both Rural and Urban franchisees. Building on this progress, the Federation’s continued advocacy led the Government of Telangana to finally approve a complete waiver of AMC charges for MeeSeva franchise renewals.

After continued persuasions and efforts by the Telangana MeeSeva Federation (TGMF) regarding the complete waiver of Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC), the Government of Telangana has finally agreed to waive off the AMC charges for MeeSeva franchise renewals.

This development represents a significant relief for franchisees, eliminating the recurring financial burden of AMC fees and enabling them to sustain their operations more comfortably.

The decision also highlights the government’s responsiveness to the concerns raised by TGMF and the broader franchisee community, promising improved stability and support within the MeeSeva network.

Physical Copy Submission Issue

Insistence by Tahsildars / MROs

In violation of eGovernance principles and the ESD Rules, 2011, some Tahsildars in Telangana continued to demand that MeeSeva franchisees submit physical copies of all applications at their mandal offices. Franchisees who did not comply risked rejection of applications, causing considerable challenges for both the franchisees and the citizens who rely on these services. This requirement resulted in delays, disrupted operations, financial burdens on franchisees, and inconvenience for the public.

Despite multiple appeals by the Telangana MeeSeva Federation (TGMF) to the ESD (MeeSeva) and the CCLA Department, the Tahsildars persisted in their demands, hindering the smooth delivery of MeeSeva services.

To address this, TGMF took the matter to the Hon’ble High Court of Telangana and successfully obtained a court order instructing all Tahsildars to stop insisting on physical submission of MeeSeva applications by franchisees and citizens.

This ruling reaffirmed the significance of digital submissions in line with eGovernance standards, ensuring that MeeSeva services could function efficiently without unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles. This was a significant win for both franchisees and citizens, protecting digital service delivery as the norm and eliminating the extra burden of submitting physical documents.

Launch of Financial Support Scheme of Rs. 5 Lakhs for Nominees/Family Members of Deceased MeeSeva Franchisees

Provided by the Government of Telangana

The Telangana MeeSeva Federation (TGMF) has consistently highlighted the financial vulnerability of MeeSeva franchisees, many of whom operate on modest incomes that make it difficult to afford private insurance or plan for long-term financial security.

In November 2018, recognizing this pressing issue, the Federation formally proposed the establishment of a MeeSeva Franchisee Welfare Board, recommending that a nominal deduction from each transaction be used to fund social welfare initiatives such as life insurance, health insurance, and other essential benefits for franchisees.

While acknowledging the administrative and operational challenges of setting up a full-fledged Welfare Board, the Government of Telangana took a significant step forward by agreeing to provide death insurance coverage of ₹5 lakhs to the nominees or immediate family members of deceased MeeSeva franchisees. This initiative offers critical financial support and recognizes the vital public service role played by franchisees across the state.

Although this provision addresses the immediate concern of life insurance, the Telangana MeeSeva Federation continues to advocate for broader welfare measures, including health insurance and additional social security benefits, to ensure the long-term well-being and stability of the MeeSeva franchisee community.

Regulation on the Sanctioning of New MeeSeva Centers

Modifications to ESD Rules, 2011, (yet to be notified) corresponding to Santion of New MeeSeva Centers

The Telangana MeeSeva Federation (TGMF) is actively addressing the significant decline in income faced by MeeSeva franchisees, largely due to the increasing availability of MeeSeva services through online and mobile platforms. As digital accessibility grows, physical MeeSeva centers have experienced reduced footfall, directly impacting their revenue streams.

In response, TGMF has been urging the Telangana government to halt the issuance of new MeeSeva centers until the viability of existing centers is thoroughly assessed. The Federation warns that launching new centers without addressing this concern could lead to excessive competition, risking the closure of both current and new franchisees.

Despite clear directives from the Principal Secretary of the ITE&C Department to prioritize the viability of existing centers over population-based criteria, some District Authorities have continued to approve new centers solely based on population metrics. This approach has raised significant concerns among franchisees regarding the sustainability of the MeeSeva network.

To address these issues, TGMF has formally requested amendments to the guidelines governing the sanctioning of new centers. Specifically, the Federation seeks revisions to the distance and population criteria, aiming to ensure that new centers are approved only in areas where there is genuine demand and without undermining existing franchises.

With the persistent efforts of TGMF and the committed support of Sri T Ravi Kiran, IFS, Commissioner of ESD (MeeSeva), the government has now amended the ESD Rules to better regulate the sanctioning of new MeeSeva centers.

Addition of New Services into MeeSeva Platform useful for both Franchisees and Citizens

Efforts to increase the income of MeeSeva Franchisees

The panel members of TGMF have been diligently working to persuade the government to expand the range of services available on the MeeSeva Platform. This expansion is aimed at benefiting both franchisees, by providing opportunities for increased income, and citizens, by offering easier, more convenient, and faster access to a variety of services.

Some of these are:

•  BR Ambedkar Open University Services
•  Osmania University Revaluation Fee Payment Services
•  Anywhere Certificate Print Service
•  Revenue Department - Reissuance of Caste/Income Certificates
•  Revenue Department - Local Candidate Certificate Issued by MRO
•  Revenue Department - Gap Certificate Issued by MRO
•  Revenue Department - Minority Certificate Issued by MRO
•  Revenue Department - Creamy Layer and Non-Creamy Layer Certificates
•  Revenue Department - FSC and Senior Citizen Aarogyasri Health Card eKYC service
•  Revenue Department - Senior Citizens Maintenance Cases Monitoring System
•  Forest Department - Sawmill/Timber Depot Fresh License and Renewal
•  Forest Department - Compensation for Human Kill/Cattle Kill by Wild Animals

There are several other services related to agricultural land such as ROR 1B, Pahani, and others, that the concerned departments have already agreed to integrate into the MeeSeva platform. However, these services are yet to be integrated. Once incorporated, they will further enhance the range of services available on MeeSeva.

TGMF has been actively requesting the government to include services from all government departments on the MeeSeva platform. In response, the Commissioner of ESD (MeeSeva) has proposed amendments to the ESD Rules, which involve adding the necessary clauses to accommodate the integration of these services. However, the modified ESD Rules are still pending notification. Once these rules are officially amended and notified, they will enable the seamless addition of services from all departments, enhancing the platform's utility and accessibility for both citizens and franchisees.