Mega DSC row: YSRCP demands CBI probe, says Minister Nara Lokesh must quit first
The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has demanded an independent investigation into alleged irregularities in the Mega DSC teacher recruitment, saying the complaints concern the future of around 3.5 lakh job aspirants.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, party State coordinator Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy said complaints had been received in connection with sports quota selections, the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) and subject eligibility, EWS reservations, examination procedures and certificate verification. He said such complaints had also come from Kadapa and Kurnool districts.
He alleged that some candidates who had not qualified the TET, or who did not possess the required subject qualifications, had secured appointments. He also asked how sports certificates that were allegedly disowned by the issuing associations had cleared the verification process.
The YSRCP leader further alleged that an outsourcing employee had gained access to examination systems, secured a top rank, and that the selection list was subsequently altered. He said audio and video material relating to alleged question paper leaks and money transactions for jobs had surfaced, and questioned why comprehensive action had not been taken despite the availability of such material.
Mr. Ramakrishna Reddy referred to what the authorities describe as a "seven-step verification" process, and asked how the alleged discrepancies could have escaped scrutiny if each stage of that procedure had been followed properly. He argued that a multi-layered check of certificates and eligibility, applied diligently, should have prevented such lapses.
The Mega DSC is a large-scale recruitment exercise for government school teacher posts in Andhra Pradesh, conducted through District Selection Committees. Teacher recruitment on this scale attracts intense public interest in the State, where lakhs of candidates compete for a limited number of posts.
Referring to an incident in Vijayawada on Monday, Mr. Ramakrishna Reddy alleged that permission for the YSRCP's proposed peaceful protest was denied under Section 30, a provision used to regulate public meetings and processions, while another group was allowed to put up tents and use microphones and DJ equipment. He alleged that party leaders and elected representatives were subjected to a lathi-charge when they went to submit a representation.
He demanded a CBI or other independent investigation into the recruitment process. Candidates selected legitimately on merit should not be affected, he said, while those found to have secured jobs through false certificates or other irregularities should face action.
He also demanded the resignation of HRD Minister Nara Lokesh, saying the Minister's resignation should precede any inquiry.
The allegations were made at a party press conference and have not been independently verified. No immediate response from Mr. Lokesh, the School Education Department or the State government was included in the account of the press conference. Individuals and institutions named in such allegations are entitled to a right of reply, and their responses are carried when available.
