Vijayawada: Rumours about mandatory post office accounts and Aadhaar linkage for receiving welfare benefits made women across the state to throng post offices in cities like Vijayawada, Rajamahendravaram, and Kurnool for four days straight. Moreover, social media misinformation falsely claimed that govt would deposit 1,500 monthly under the Aadabidda Nidhi scheme. This led to to panic and long queues.
Following this, officials clarified that no such announcement was made. They urged people to not believe in such rumours. The explained further that only specific beneficiaries need post office accounts, and those are already linked to welfare schemes through banks, so public need not worry.
Adapa Nagalaskhmi, Woodpeta in Vijayawada, told TOI that messages circulating on social media claimed that those without savings accounts in post offices or Aadhaar linkage would not receive govt welfare benefits. Following this, several women visited the nearest post offices, with some bringing the hildren along and waiting in long queues for hours to complete the account-opening formalities.
A similar crowd was seen at Buckinghampet post office and many others in Kurnool. Some women, who already have bank accounts linked to welfare schemes, said they fell for the rumours that post office accounts were mandatory for certain benefits.
Officials clarified that only an estimated one lakh people across the state need to open accounts in post offices for specific schemes. Those already receiving benefits through linked bank accounts do not need to open additional accounts.
Adding to the chaos was a rumour about the Aadabidda Nidhi scheme, a promise made by the ruling NDA govt during the elections. The misinformation falsely claimed that women aged 18 years and above would receive 1,500 monthly in their personal accounts if linked to post offices. This led to widespread panic and queues.
Narasimha Rao, a post office official, emphasised that AP govt has made no official announcement regarding the scheme.
“We urge women not to fall for unverified claims or rush unnecessarily. All govt welfare measures are communicated officially,” he said.
He also added that beneficiaries of govt schemes have to map their bank accounts with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and submit the same to govt. As other banks charge more and Indian Postal Payments Bank charges only 200, many are turning up to the post offices, which also offer a smooth process of mapping their accounts with NPCI and enjoying other benefits and schemes of state and central govts.
