CityLightBuzz: Hyderabad, BRS State General Secretary Dr. R.S. Praveen Kumar has alleged financial irregularities in Telangana’s Labour Department insurance schemes and demanded a comprehensive investigation into the payments made to private companies.
Addressing a protest organised at T. Anjaiah Labour Welfare Bhavan near RTC Cross Roads in Hyderabad, Praveen Kumar alleged that irregularities worth ₹200 crore had occurred and claimed that plans were underway for another alleged ₹1,000 crore scam. He demanded that criminal cases be registered against Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.
Questions Over Workers’ Insurance Premiums
Praveen Kumar questioned the difference between the ₹436 insurance premium he said was collected under a Central Government scheme and the ₹1,666 allegedly collected per beneficiary in Telangana. He demanded transparency in premium collection and insurance claim settlements.
He alleged that the state government had bypassed the Labour Welfare Board and entrusted insurance-related responsibilities to private intermediary companies, including Trailblazer. According to his claims, around 15 lakh workers were covered under the scheme, and the government was paying ₹346 crore annually to the company, despite estimated insurance requirements of approximately ₹216 crore.
Seeks Clarity on Payments to Private Companies
The BRS leader also questioned payments reportedly made to CreditAccess Life. He claimed that the company had a turnover of approximately ₹200 crore, while the government had transferred ₹246 crore to it. He called for an examination of the company’s eligibility, the payments made and the additional premiums allegedly collected from workers.
Alleges Bribery in Insurance Claim Settlements
Praveen Kumar alleged that intermediaries were demanding bribes from families seeking insurance benefits. Referring to an alleged incident in Peddapalli, he claimed that a person named Ramesh had demanded ₹1 lakh to facilitate a ₹10 lakh insurance claim. He further alleged that brokers were operating across Telangana’s 33 districts.
He also called for an investigation into the alleged role of an official named Venkat Reddy at Labour Welfare Bhavan and the relationship between officials and private insurance intermediaries.
Raises Concerns Over Indiramma Family Insurance Scheme
Praveen Kumar expressed concern over the proposed implementation of the Indiramma Family Insurance Scheme, alleging that the involvement of private companies could lead to further financial irregularities. He urged the government to ensure transparency and conduct a thorough review of the arrangements.
He also alleged that fake FIRs and death certificates had been used to process insurance claims and demanded that these allegations be investigated.
Demands Accountability
Concluding his address, Praveen Kumar called for a comprehensive inquiry into the alleged irregularities and demanded action against everyone found responsible. He held the state government and Labour Minister Gaddam Vivek accountable for ensuring transparency in the department.
The allegations made during the protest have not been independently verified. The claims regarding financial transactions, private companies and the alleged involvement of public officials require examination by the appropriate authorities.
