Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has levelled huge corruption charges against the erstwhile YSRCP government in the Employment Guarantee Scheme. Addressing the Assembly, he asserted that government reports indicate a whopping ₹250 crore worth of misappropriation. But ₹75 lakh have been recovered already and investigations are continuing.
In the Question Hour, some legislators questioned the financial mismanagement in the scheme. Replying to these questions, Panchayati Raj Minister Pawan Kalyan said that the government had carried out social audits in 564 mandals and brought to light widespread corruption.
He brought to light the fact that much of the allocated money was diverted by middlemen, and it never reached the real workers. In reaction to this, the government has now sped up the audit process and is hoping to finish the last mandals by the end of the month.
Referring to concrete instances, Pawan Kalyan identified gross financial irregularities in Kurnool district. Grievances reported massive fund diversion on a large scale, and investigations upheld that Field Assistants were responsible for the scam. Consequently, a number of officials were put on suspension.
In 25 mandals, 16 instances of fraudulent practices were found, further bolstering the argument for tighter monitoring and corrective action.
The Deputy CM ensured that the government is closely examining the Employment Guarantee Scheme in each district. He underlined that stern action will be initiated against those found guilty. Up till now, 520 people have been identified, including 31 Field Assistants and top officials, with continuous inquiries into their role.
In addition, he explained that any revision of wages for workers under the scheme is in the domain of the central government. To stop further misutilization of funds, the state has employed special officials for social audits, vigilance, and quality control.
Pawan Kalyan assured the government’s resolve to end corruption, ensure transparency, and ensure that the funds actually reach the targeted workers.