Telangana government has introduced new guidelines for the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF), making it mandatory for all applications to be submitted online and accompanied by a recommendation letter from the local MLA or Lok Sabha MP.

The move comes after complaints that legislators from constituencies other than theirs were issuing recommendation letters, creating complications in processing relief. A circular issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stated that the new online system, developed by the Centre for Good Governance (CGG), aims at improving transparency and prevent misuse. Applications recommended by representatives outside their jurisdiction will no longer be accepted.