₹250 Crore Corruption in Employment Guarantee Scheme During YSRCP Rule: Pawan Kalyan

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan alleged in the Assembly that large-scale corruption occurred in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) during the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government. During the question-and-answer session, he stated that reports from officials indicate misappropriation of ₹250 crore in employment guarantee funds.

He informed the House that the government has conducted a social audit across 564 mandals to examine irregularities in the scheme. According to him, the audit revealed several discrepancies and suspicious financial transactions. Pawan Kalyan alleged that instead of reaching the intended beneficiaries, a significant portion of the scheme’s funds was diverted into the hands of intermediaries.

The Deputy Chief Minister assured that the ongoing audit process would be expedited, with plans to complete the remaining mandals by the end of this month. He emphasized that a comprehensive review of employment guarantee works would be conducted across all districts, and strict action would be taken against officials found responsible for corruption.

Pawan Kalyan further stated that the government would implement stringent measures to prevent such irregularities in the future. Addressing the issue of wage hikes for employment guarantee workers, he clarified that such decisions fall under the purview of the central government.