Hyderabad: Telangana government planned to introduce a Unified Welfare Card to integrate multiple welfare schemes and public services into a single platform, with officials directed to prepare a detailed implementation framework within 10 days.
Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao reviewed the proposal at a high-level meeting held at the Dr B.R. Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat. The review followed directions issued by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to improve service delivery and strengthen digital governance across the state.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary asked departments to bring details of welfare programmes onto a common platform. He said the initiative should help citizens access benefits more easily while improving transparency and administrative efficiency.
Officials discussed the concept of “One Card, Access to All Welfare Schemes” as the foundation for the proposed system. The government believes a single platform can reduce duplication, simplify verification processes and improve coordination among departments.
The proposal also focuses on expanding digital access to public services. Officials said the initiative could help beneficiaries receive services through a streamlined and citizen-friendly mechanism.
Departments asked to prepare Unified Welfare Card framework
Ramakrishna Rao instructed officials to examine smart card models already operating in other states before finalising the Telangana framework. He said the government should adopt best practices that suit local requirements while ensuring long-term sustainability.
Officials informed the meeting that several welfare programmes may be integrated into the platform. These include ration distribution, pension schemes, Mahalakshmi benefits and other government services delivered through different departments.
The Chief Secretary also stressed the importance of protecting personal information. He directed departments to build strong safeguards for data security and privacy during the development process.
In addition, officials were asked to study the feasibility of linking birth and death certificates, pension records and health-related information with the proposed system. The government expects such integration to improve service delivery and reduce procedural delays.
Meanwhile, senior officials emphasised the need for close coordination among departments to ensure smooth implementation. The administration believes the initiative can create a more efficient welfare delivery system while making government services easier to access for citizens across Telangana.
Special Chief Secretaries Vikas Raj and Sabyasachi Ghosh, Principal Secretaries Sandeep Kumar Sultania, Shailaja Ramaiyer, Yogita Rana and Christina Z. Chongthu, along with other senior officials, attended the meeting.
