Sun May 11 23:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Rs 274 Crore Volunteer Training Scam Rocks Andhra Pradesh

**Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh –** A major scam involving Rs 274 crore in alleged misappropriation of funds meant for training village volunteers in Andhra Pradesh has come to light. The scandal allegedly links the Jagan Mohan Reddy government to Ram Info, a software company, and political strategist I-PAC.

According to reports, Ram Info received annual payments of Rs 68.62 crore for four years (totalling Rs 274.48 crore) ostensibly for training village volunteers under the state government’s gram and ward secretariat program. However, numerous volunteers claim to have received no training from Ram Info. Instead, they allege that I-PAC, a firm known for its work with the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), provided unofficial training focused on promoting the party and disseminating negative propaganda against opposition parties during the previous election.

The government’s contract with Ram Info, awarded in 2020 and formalized in 2021, lacked a specified timeframe and was unusually extended for four years. This raises concerns about a potential conflict of interest and lack of transparency in the contract awarding process. The contract was awarded without a proper bidding process or clear criteria, and the government lacks data on the alleged training provided. Further suspicion arises from the involvement of two other companies, Upadhi Techno Services and Max Detective and Guarding Services, as part of a consortium with Ram Info. Their roles in the alleged training remain unclear.

Critics allege that the money was funneled from Ram Info to I-PAC, effectively using public funds for political gain. The lack of oversight and a third-party audit have further fueled accusations of widespread corruption. Senior IAS officers are calling for a thorough investigation by the CID or ACB to determine the final destination of the funds and hold those responsible accountable. The incident underscores concerns about the Jagan Mohan Reddy government’s handling of public funds and its ties to private firms during its tenure.

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