Sun Apr 13 01:50:00 UTC 2025: **248 Andhra Pradesh FiberNet Employees Terminated, Raising Concerns Over Vizag Network Shutdown**

Amaravati, April 13, 2025 – The Andhra Pradesh FiberNet Corporation has terminated 248 outsourced employees, sparking concerns about the potential shutdown of the Visakhapatnam Network Operations Center (NOC). The majority of those terminated were reportedly YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) workers appointed during the previous administration.

The terminations followed the abrupt cancellation of a contract with the outsourcing firm on Friday. This action has left the Vizag NOC critically understaffed, with only security personnel remaining. The lack of replacement technicians raises fears of widespread service disruptions. The situation is particularly concerning as many of the dismissed employees held key technical roles.

While the terminations were reportedly demanded by the current TDP-led coalition government since their ascension to power due to allegations of irregularities, the timing and lack of replacement staff have drawn criticism. It’s also noted that some technicians appointed during the previous TDP government (2014-19) were also dismissed, despite the initial focus seemingly being on those hired during the YSRCP tenure.

Government sources are urging Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to intervene, suggesting a full review of the corporation is necessary. They highlight the importance of FiberNet to Andhra Pradesh’s internet infrastructure and youth employment. The corporation, once lauded as a flagship project, is now facing significant financial difficulties, saddled with approximately ₹2,171 crore in debt and a drastic decline in connections from 1.2 million to 500,000.

A vigilance investigation is underway into alleged financial irregularities during the previous YSRCP government’s tenure, with preliminary findings suggesting approximately ₹500 crore in misconduct out of a total ₹5,400 crore in transactions over five years. It has also come to light that some YSRCP worker-employees received salaries despite failing to report to work. The situation raises questions about the planning and execution of the employee terminations and the potential impact on the state’s digital infrastructure.

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