Sun Feb 23 00:41:51 UTC 2025: **Andhra Pradesh Official Alleges Misuse of MGNREGS Funds Under Previous Government**
VISAKHAPATNAM, February 23, 2025 – Lanka Dinakar, Chairperson of the Twenty-Point Programme, has accused the previous YSRCP government in Andhra Pradesh of misusing and failing to utilize funds allocated under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). Dinakar, speaking to the media on Saturday, stated that a review of the scheme’s implementation between 2019 and 2024 revealed significant irregularities.
The review, which has covered 15 of Andhra Pradesh’s districts with the remaining districts to be completed by April 30th, found that approximately ₹2,000 crore in material component entitlements remained unutilized in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts alone. Dinakar indicated that the total amount of misused and unutilized funds across the state is likely to be considerably higher. He further alleges that even the funds that were utilized were spent in violation of existing rules.
Dinakar’s claims, which he maintains are based on information provided by officials during district reviews in December 2024, have drawn criticism from some media outlets questioning the basis of his accusations. However, Dinakar reiterated his statements, releasing official figures to support his allegations and emphasized his commitment to a full enquiry into the matter. A report detailing the findings will be submitted to the government upon completion of the review. BJP Visakhapatnam district president Parasa Rama Raju was present at the press conference.
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