LRS Online Application Process - Explained (Layout Regularisation Scheme 2020)

I personally think, LRS 2020 by Telangana Government is a great initiative and is extremely beneficial for the citizen of this country! Though the timing and charges are debatable, it is pivotal that the illegal layouts should be penalized and regularized.

I am thrilled to see this initiative for the betterment of the society (about 10 years ago, when I bought a small plot with my hard earned savings - I had verified almost everything but failed to investigate deep into the layout rules and regulations - though there was a Layout Plan, I was not sure of what is legal and what is illegal; what is authorized and what is unauthorized). 

LRS 2020 brought a great learning opportunity for the citizen (whoever bought illegal plots), LRS would let us realize the importance of understanding the root cause of illegal registrations and the legal process of acquiring land in Telangana State. Ignorance might be bliss, but at the same time Ignoring Law is Punishable (please think of voting system as an example - we must not let incapable and unqualified nominees becoming leaders, we must elect visionaries like KCR and KTR).

Having said that, one must have respect towards the "Nature", "Mankind" and most importantly "Law of the Land". Let me now jump in and explain the motive of this very blog post. After many years, I am writing another interesting and useful article which is extremely important for general public - especially to those who are interested in learning about LRS  (Layout Regularisation Scheme 2020 by the Government of Telangana). 

Thanks to the technology, that is letting us achieve almost everything from anywhere (as long as we have little literacy about computers and its usage). I am not focusing on teaching you what is Digitization, Digitalization & Digital Transformation (in this article) but in simple terms, I will try to explain how you can actually submit an online application for LRS. Yes, literally from anywhere of the planet, as long as you have network connectivity and access to some critical information about your "identity" and "property" details.

Here is the home page of the LRS - https://lrs.telangana.gov.in/, isn't it beautifully designed website? I liked it very much, because it has all the necessary information loaded in it and the links provided quickly takes us to the online application form i.e., https://lrs.telangana.gov.in/OTP_Validation.aspx?param=Apply

As the above snapshot depicts, the applicant must provide a valid mobile number to get an OTP to see the application form. Once the user clicks on Generate OTP button with a valid phone number, the portal navigates the user to the below screen - 

and then provides the user with a few options (extremely easy and simple to understand) as seen below. The form enables user to select the appropriate category (the portal is same for individual plot owners as well as the layout builders). Based on the plot/layout location, user must choose one of the three options provided i.e., Municipal Corporation (or) Municipality (or) Gram Panchayat (including HMDA):

Based on the selection of appropriate option, the online portal (form) allows the user to fill the respective application form (user to furnish some critical information to apply for the LRS Online. Below are the snapshots of the application form(s) for all the three options (I am providing these for the benefit of all three categories, you please pick whatever is applicable for you). 

My intention of providing these three options (screens), is to let everyone know what are the mandatory fields and what information is required for completing the LRS application process - so that you can proactively keep the necessary information handy during the application process. I found it so simple and easy to fill, because I already have all the necessary information available with me. Payment of INR 1000/- can be made once the applicant furnishes accurate information via this online application form. 

Notes: 

1. Applicants should also keep the scanned copy of the first page of the Sale Deed & Layout Plan. The portal is asking for PDFs ONLY with file size limitation of 1MB, so please be watchful to upload scanned documents accordingly.
2. Please ensure to furnish ACCURATE INFORMATION, to avoid any discrepancies. 
3. Several brokers are now taking advantage of the situation and making money from irresponsible public (who are addicted to rely on mediators). 
4. I really want to extend my gratitude to the Telangana Government for providing us an opportunity for completing the LRS application process through online. 
5. Please share your comments and experience here, which will actually help fellow citizen.

Hoping to see a transformation in aspiring applicants towards digital...

How to get an Aadhaar Card - Detailed Process

With the government making Aadhaar Card (unique identification card) mandatory in procuring LPG connections, issuing passports, sale or purchase of houses, opening a PF account or withdrawing your provident fund, opening a bank account, etc, the queue of people waiting to lay their hands on the card seems to be getting longer and longer.

Here's a ready reckoner on how to get the card:

# Aadhaar card enrollment is free and you need to enroll only once as an individual is entitled for only one card.

# You can go to any authorized Aadhaar enrollment center anywhere in India with your identity and address proof.

# UIDAI process accepts 18 Proof of Identity and 33 Proof of Address documents. Common proofs of identity and address are election photo ID card, Ration card, passport and driving license.

# Photo ID cards like PAN card and government ID cards are permissible for identity proof. Address proof documents also include water - electricity - telephone bills from the last three months.

# In case you do not have above mentioned proofs, certificate of identify having photo issued by Gazetted Officer/Tehsildar on letterhead is also accepted as proof of identity. 

# Certificate of address having photo issued by MP or MLA /Gazetted Officer/Tehsildar on letterhead or by Village Panchayat head or its equivalent authority (for rural areas) is accepted as valid proof of address.

# If someone in your family does not have individual valid documents, the resident can still enrol if his/her name exists in family entitlement document.

# Where there are no documents available, residents may also take the help of 'Introducers' at the enrolment centre. The Introducers are notified by the registrar.

# At the enrollment center, your photo, finger-prints and iris scan will also be taken as a part of the enrollment.

# You need to enrol only once. Enrolling again is a waste of your time as you will get only one Aadhaar number.

# Based on the information provided, your details will be verified and If the application is successful, an Aadhaar number will be generated and mailed to your address.

# The waiting time for Aadhaar may vary from 60-90 days after receipt of resident data packets.

# Click here for the list of documents that can be submitted as proof of identity and address.

# After enrolment, quality checks are done by the enrolment centre supervisors, followed by correction process (where required) and data packet consolidation.

# Subsequently, the Enrolment Agency sends the data to UIDAI data centre. The data undergoes various stages of screening and validations in CIDR. This ensures that the source of data is authenticated besides ensuring that no duplicate exists. 

# Sample quality checks are done on demographic and biometric data collected from residents. 

# Apart from that the operator/supervisor/introducer/enrolment agency and registrar, information in each packet is also validated. Only after passing the data quality checks and other validations, the packet goes for de-duplication and Aadhaar gets generated.

# In case of any errors, the packet goes on hold. For example, if the particulars of the operator who enrolled the resident are found to be inconsistent with database or there is a mismatch observed in photo and age/gender (e.g. a child's photo with age mentioned as 50 years), then the packet is held for further enquiry. 

# Corrective actions are taken on such packets, wherever possible, else a rejection letter guiding resident to re-enroll is dispatched to the resident. 

# India Post is entrusted with the responsibility of printing and delivery of Aadhaar letters. Depending on backlog for generation, location of delivery etc. 

# India Post may ordinarily take 3-5 weeks to print and deliver Aadhaar letters to the residents.

Benefits of an Aadhar card

# The unique identification or Aadhaar project would result in saving of about Rs 110,000 crore by 2020 (around 58 per cent of expenditure of major public welfare schemes), a Planning Commission study released said.

# By providing a clear proof of identity, Aadhaar will empower the underprivileged residents in accessing services such as the formal banking system and give them the opportunity to easily avail various other services provided by the government and the private sector. (With inputs from http://uidai.gov.in/aadhaar.html)

Source:- Yahoo & Official Website of UIDAI (Aadhaar)

Enrolment Centres where you can enrol for Aadhaar

Online PF Statements - Excellent Initiative by EPFO, India

I have been struggling to transfer my old PF account balance to the current PF account from quite some time now, I thought of earning cumulative balance on the accumulated amount by doing so. But due to lack of cooperation and support, I could not find the actual problem for this issue....

After knowing that both of my PF accounts are still not merged (even after 2.6 years from the day I quit my previous employer) I am even more worried and now eager to know the detailed PF Balance Statements to cross check, if every thing is OK. Thanks to the EPFO (India) authorities, who made it transparent and possible for every PF Member to check and download their detailed PF Statement (with up-to-date balances) - Online with a simple process.

I have explored this a couple of weeks back and enjoyed this option very much and would like to share the process to download the PF Statements to all my blog visitors. Below mentioned detailed process would certainly help everyone in understanding about this facility:

Procedure for applying a Passport - Tatkal Scheme - Very Informative

First of all, I would like to thank all my blog visitors who showered comments, queries and appreciations to few of my useful posts... I appreciate all those people who spend some their valuable time on replying back to my posts with comments. As a response to it, I would like to share something very important and useful post today! Yes, it is about applying passport through tatkal scheme.

Preface: All of us know that we need movie tickets to enter a cinema and watch a specific movie, but most of us reach theatres only at last minute and never hesitate to spend 2 to 5 times of the ticket price to purchase the same at black. Similar is the case with planning a trip (booking flight or train tickets), thank god there is an option of purchasing train tickets through tatkal at a minimal extra charge. 

We have an option of going for an advance booking or prior purchasing, but very few will opt for it. Reasons may be many but I would strongly suggest all my friends and blog visitors to follow - precaution is better than cure - policy. I mean plan well in advance for everything!

Coming to the current topic, if someone wants to apply a passport through general scheme - with all the required documents (Valid Address Proof, Valid DOB Proof, Educational Certificates for ECNR) readily available - then it will hardly take two months time for him/her to get the passport delivered to his/her door step. Thanks to the government initiative called Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs), which is making it reality. 

Note: In case of genuine and knowledgeable citizen's application the time required to process and dispatch the passport is less than a month's time - under speedy process (with sincere passport authorities and police verification officers donning their jobs). Practical Example is my mother-in-law's application, she got her passport within 20 days from her final submission. 

However, if one wants to get the passport in less than 15 days from submission, with all the basic necessary documents (apart from the crucial Verification Certificate from IAS/IPS/....) then the below information is most valuable and of great use....

Excellent Experience at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)

When I first heard about the news on PSK, I felt it was a great news for me (I never wanted to spend much time standing on queues to get my passport). On 5th of December 2011, I have filled applications for both myself and my wife (online) by registering separate user ids for both of us. 

But, unfortunately we were not having sufficient address proofs apart from the Ration Card (and my wife's name is also not yet added in it) which is also not an acceptable or sufficient address proof (Click here to know what are all the documents required to apply  for a fresh passport on regular mode), you may also want to visit here - to find the best option for address proof. Using CEOANDHRA website, I managed to get my wife's Voter ID Card with our address. To know more about applying for new Voter ID Card / Make any changes in your existing Voter ID Card you may need to visit: Online Applications for Electoral ID Cards

After filling and submitting our application forms online, I have booked time slots for documents submission and processing (we need to login with our registered credentials to passportindia.gov.in website sharp at 6 PM IST to reserve/book appointments). I have also uploaded the scanned copies of our SSC Marks Sheets, Birth Certificates (actually not required for us - but must for those who born after 26th Jan 1989) and Marriage Certificate along with our Voter ID Cards (which are not valid address proof documents, as they were issued just one month back - these were supposed to be issued at least one year before the date of application). 

Procedure for applying a Passport at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or at Mini Passport Seva Kendra (Mini PSK)

On the public interest, I am posting this blog which will explain the detailed process of applying for a fresh passport at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) / Mini Passport Seva Kendra (Mini PSK) through online, from the Government of India initiative website called - http://www.passportindia.gov.in/.

Those who want to learn about this process directly from the website can click on the above link and try to gather the information. But due to my personal interest, I did all that research (on this website) and gathered the below information for the ease of my friends and blog visitors, which should help them in applying for their passports:

Earlier, it was a huge hindrance to apply for a passport and it used to take a hell lot of time. But thanks to the government for initiating this process, which is definitely new at the current time but would certainly succeed in the long run. Everyone can see the below details on the website directly, but if your question is "what is the need of reading this article here on this blog", then my answer would be - one can find all the required information at one page!

For filling and submitting your application online,you need to be a registered user on the Passport Seva website. To create your user account for online form submission, Register now.  Once you register,follow the steps mentioned here-

Step 1: Log into your Passport Seva user account. 

Step 2: Select the Apply Passport Online menu option in the left navigation menu.

Step 3: Fill in the required details in the form and submit the form online.

Step 4 (Optional): Upload the required documents using the Upload Document link on the Applicant Home Page. The documents to be uploaded must be self-attested (signed by the applicant) and must be in pdf format.

Step 5: You are required to be present at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)/Mini Passport Seva Kendra (Mini PSK) along with original documents for completion of the application submission process. Schedule an appointment with the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)/ Mini Passport Seva Kendra (Mini PSK) that comes under the jurisdiction of applicant residence.Online appointment is mandatory to walk into PSK for further processing.Only emergency/medical cases may go to PSK without appointment - service will be provided at the discretion of PSK in -charge. You will need to re-submit the application in case the form submission process at PSK is not completed within 3 months of submitting the application online.

Read procedure for online applicant at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)/Mini Passport Seva Kendra (Mini PSK)

I want to submit application at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Mini Passport Seva Kendra (Mini PSK) - (Preferred Way of applying a passport).

You can apply in-person for various passport services at Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) or Mini Passport Seva Kendras (Mini PSKs). Assistance for filling up the form is available at nominal charges at all Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Mini Passport Seva Kendra (Mini PSK). Schedule an appointment with the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)/ Mini Passport Seva Kendra (Mini PSK) that comes under the jurisdiction of applicant residence. Online appointment is mandatory to walk into PSK for further processing. Only emergency/medical cases may go to PSK without appointment. Service will be provided at the discretion of PSK in-charge for emergency/medical cases.

Steps for form submission at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)/Mini Passport Seva Kendra (Mini PSK) (Walk-in) - 

Step 1: Collect a token from the Token Issuance Counter after showing your filled passport application form and supporting documents along with the originals(original documents not to be attached with application).

Step 2: Wait for your turn in the waiting area till the token number is displayed on the display board. Submit the token, filled application form and self-attested (signed by the applicant) photocopies of the supporting documents to the Citizen Service Executive (CSE) at the service counter displayed with your token number.

Step 3: Complete activities at the counter, such as signing / thumb impression, the printout of the application form, getting your photograph and fingerprints captured, and making fee payment.

Note: Minor applicants below 4 years of age should carry a passport size photograph (on a white background) while visiting Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

In case you are paying the fee through Credit/ Debit card, only card of self or family member whose details have been mentioned in the passport application form are acceptable. Only Master and Visa Credit/ Debit cards are accepted (This service will be available soon).

Step 4: Collect the fee acknowledgement receipt from the Citizen Service Executive (CSE) (after successful data entry) and go to the Verification counter, when Token number is displayed on the display-board for verification of your application with original documents. All original documents must be produced.

Step 5: Go to the Granting counter, when Token number is displayed on display-board for further processing of your application. 

Step 6: Collect the print-out of the final status of your application (acknowledgement letter) at the exit gate.

After successful application form submission, with final status as "Granted", you can expect your passport to be dispatched as follows:

Type of Application	Type of Police Verification	Expected Time of Passport Dispatch
Tatkaal	Police Verification is not required	Within one working day excluding the date of submission of application.
	Police Verification is required on a Post-Passport Issuance basis	On third working day excluding the date of submission of application - without waiting for the Police Verification Report.
Normal	Police Verification is not required	On third working day excluding the date of submission of application.
	Police Verification is required on a Post-Passport Issuance basis	On third working day excluding the date of submission of application - without waiting for the Police Verification Report.
	Police Verification is required on Pre-Passport Issuance basis	Within three working days of receipt of a "Recommendatory" Police Verification Report (PVR) from the Police Department. This does not include date of receipt of "Recommendatory" PVR.

Note:

i. In complex cases, such as adoption, application on behalf of a minor from single parent, major change in name, duplicate passport, doubtful documentation, the processing time will be approximately 30 days excluding the date of submission of application. Mandatory Pre-Police Verification cases such as J&K and Nagaland subjects would also need additional processing time.

ii. Issue of passport is subject to data check in the system and finding no adverse entry/ report.

In case you have been charged with a penalty, you need to make the penalty payment by cash only.

We should now know, nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) < Click on this link.

How do I fill my application form?

If Applying online
Detailed and clear instructions are provided for each field in the form. You can refer the help provided in the online application form. 
If Applying on printed form 
Detailed and clear instructions are attached with the form for filling it up correctly. There is an instructions booklet attached with the form that you should go through carefully before filling up the form. Forms to Download

General instructions for filling up the form are as follows:

• Use CAPITAL LETTERS only, throughout the application form.
• Use standard fonts and avoid stylized writing.
• Use black or blue ball point pen only. Do NOT fill the application form with pencil or ink-pen.
• Write as clearly as possible. Use a pen with a thinnest possible tip.
• Put a cross (X) in the boxes where you have to choose one or more options as your answer and leave the other option(s) blank.For example, if your gender is male, put a cross in the box against male.
• Do NOT put dots, tick marks, etc, in the boxes, to choose the appropriate option as your answer.
• Write clearly within the boxes without touching the boundaries. Try and write in the centre of the box.
• Leave one box blank after each complete word, while filling up the boxes.
• Do NOT write anything outside the given boxes. Adjust the information you need to fill, within the given number of boxes.
• Do NOT overwrite in case of a mistake. Just strikeout the character and continue to write in the next box.
• Do NOT fold or smudge the application form.
• Do NOT write "NA" or "N/A" or "NOT APPLICABLE" in any boxes in the form to convey that the column is not relevant for your case. Leave that column blank.

For instructions on each column in the form, refer the instructions booklet attached with the form or download the instructions booklet. 

Documents required for applying a fresh Passport (General) >> Check here <<

• Proof of Present Address - List of Acceptable Documents
• Proof of Date of Birth - List of Acceptable Documents
• Documentary proof for any one of the Non-ECR (previously ECNR) categories Documents Required for Non-ECR

Note: The information provided above is indicative. The decision of APO/RPO shall be considered final.

Proof of Address You are required to submit at least 1 of the documents listed below.
1	Water Bill
2	Telephone (landline or postpaid mobile bill)
3	Electricity bill
4	One year statement (with transactions)/ Passbook of running bank account (Scheduled Commercial bank excluding Regional Rural banks and local area banks)
5	Income Tax Assessment Order
6	Election Commission Photo ID card
7	Proof of Gas Connection
8	Certificate from Employer of reputed companies on letter head
9	Spouse's passport copy (First and last page including family details), (provided the applicant's present address matches the address mentioned in the spouses passport)
10	Applicant's current and valid ration card
11	Parent's passport copy, in case of minors(First and last page)
Note (For Document No. 1, 2, and 3): At least 2 bills are required - One bill should be of last year and the other bill of current year.
Note (For Document No. 8): Only public limited companies can give address proof on company letter head along with seal. Computerized print-outs shall not be entertained.
Note (For Document No. 10): If any applicant submits only ration card as proof of address, it should be accompanied by one more proof of address out of the given categories.

Proof of Date of Birth (DOB) You are required to submit atleast 1 of the documents listed below.
1	Birth certificate issued by a Municipal Authority or any office authorized to issue Birth and Death Certificate by the Registrar of Births & Deaths
2	School leaving certificate / Secondary School leaving certificate/ Certificate of Recognized Boards from the school last attended by the applicant or any other recognized educational institution
3	Affidavit sworn before a Magistrate/Notary stating date/place of birth as per the specimen in Annexure 'A' by illiterate or semi-illiterate applicants (Less than 5th class).
Documents Required for Non-ECR

Non-ECR Category	Document(s) Required
All persons having educational qualifications of matriculation and above	Matriculation Pass Certificate

ICICI PRUDENTIAL ULIP POLICY SURRENDER PROCESS AND SURRENDER VALUE WILL BE

Hi Friends,

Yesterday evening at around 8:55 PM IST, I have sent an email to lifeline@iciciprulife.com, requesting for the process of surrendering my ICICI Prudential ULIP Policy and to find the estimated surrender value of the same. 

Below is the prompt (I have received this email response at 6:35 AM this morning) and most informative response from the Manager - Customer Service at ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Co. Ltd. It should be really appreciable and so, I thought of sharing this information with all of you by posting the entire email chain (copied below) on my blogspot, hope this will be useful for some of you.

Click on Read More Button....