'Financial irregularities' in AP's Civils' training institute

Hyderabad, May 23 (UNI) More than Rs 1.30 crore funds, allocated to provide training and accommodation to the aspirants of Civil Services exams in Andhra Pradesh Study Circle, established by the State government, were misappropriated in 2006-07, State Social Welfare Commissioner A Vidyasagar alleged today.

Addressing mediapersons here, he alleged that the funds were misused by then Director of the Study Circle N Dasaradha Rami Reddy by purchasing furniture and paying diet charges without the State government's permission.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Reddy was the main accused in the scam and he was suspended from services, Mr Vidyasagar said, claiming that the 'corrupt' official had admitted 737 candidates, as against 100 intake every year, by violating rules and regulations. However, only 360 candidates out of 737 appeared for the Civils preliminary exam, he pointed out.

Stating that new batches were not formed since last year due to 'overcrowding' in the study circle, he said the new batches would be started from August by increasing the intake capacity from 100 to 250.

The official said the Government was also planning to establish ten career counselling centres, where educated unemployed youth would undergo soft skill development training from this year. The trained would get jobs in the growing private industry.

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