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Hans India
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Vigilance probe on ‘Aadudam Andhra' reaches final stages
Tirupati: The ambitious 'Aadudam Andhra' sports initiative, launched to foster grassroots sports development in the state during the previous YSRCP government, is now un-der a cloud of controversy following allegations of financial mismanagement, poor-quality sports equipment, and po-litical meddling. A comprehensive vigilance inquiry, launched to probe the alleged misuse of public funds, is expected to reach final stages in August. The Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (Saap) has point-ed to a massive scam worth Rs 60-65 crore in the imple-mentation of the programme, which was rolled out in De-cember 2023 in the name of promoting sports such as cricket, volleyball, kabaddi, kho-kho, and badminton from village to district levels. Saap chairman A Ravi Naidu, speaking to The Hans India, stated that the district-level vigilance inquiry has been completed and a state-level probe is currently in progress, with the final report expected anytime in August. 'We have identified irregularities in procurements, cash incen-tives, food supplies, medals, and publicity. The final report will shed light on the lapses and name the individuals re-sponsible,' he said. The state government had sanctioned Rs 25,000 per man-dal, municipality, and assembly constituency, and Rs 10,000 per ward and village secretariat to conduct the sports events, amounting to Rs 81 lakh for Chittoor district and Rs 83 lakh for Tirupati district alone. However, the kits provided — including bats, balls, shuttle rackets, t-shirts, and corks — have been widely criticised by players for their substandard quality. Several partici-pants across various levels reported that the equipment was unusable after just a single game. Complaints of the leftover kits not reaching local schools, as per government orders, have added another layer of concern, sparking questions over their possible diversion. Adding to the controversy are claims of political interfer-ence in the selection of winners during the programme's contests. There are accusations that the YSRCP govern-ment allegedly influenced the results to benefit its party loyalists. Vigilance officials are also examining reports that cash prizes earmarked for winners were either delayed or not credited at all, pointing to possible misappropriation of funds. Vigilance authorities are now finalising their comprehen-sive report, which will be submitted to the government very soon. Sources indicate that the findings could trigger administrative or legal proceedings against those found guilty.
Hans India
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Rs 91.75 lakh incentives released for national sports winners
Vijayawada: The state government released Rs 91.75 lakh in sports incentives to athletes who won medals at the 38th National Games. Andhra Pradesh Sports Authority (Saap) chairman Anumini Ravi Naidu announced here on Monday that this timely release of funds will significantly boost the morale of the victorious athletes. The 38th National Games took place in Uttarakhand from January 28 to February 14. Among the participants from Andhra Pradesh, 15 athletes secured victories, making them eligible for these incentives. Ravi Naidu expressed his delight at the release of these funds, stating that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu consistently demonstrates his commitment to sports and athletes. He affirmed that the coalition government is dedicated to strengthening sports in the state and supporting its athletes. On behalf of the athletes and SAAP, Naidu extended special gratitude to CM Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, minister Nara Lokesh, and the entire Cabinet for their efforts in facilitating the release of these incentives.
