Corruption scandals have been reported in the State Agriculture Minister's office, where a senior official has been accused of unethical practices. This official has become a symbol of unchecked corruption, with allegations pointing to an organized system of bribery involving postings, transfers, promotions, and other administrative decisions.
Exploitation of Contract Workers
Even contract workers within the agriculture department are not exempt. Wage-related files have to be paid "bribes" if they are to be processed.
Promotion and Transfer Bribe
The recent transfer of some promotions in animal husbandry and cooperative department is said to have accompanied hefty kickbacks. Similarly, the mandals, which are allocated to oil palm companies, are suspected to carry similar bribes.
Tender Manipulation
In the Fisheries Department, release of fish fry tenders were set aside and quotation-based allocations were made leading to further allegations on corruption.
Increment File Delays
Bribery to send increment related files is the highest cases reported among the ad hoc staff members appointed across all departments.
This is not the first time this official has been accused of corruption. He was accused of similar practices when he was in the previous YSRCP regime. This reappointment to the present post raises serious questions on the commitment of the government towards integrity.
Most of the employees in the Agriculture Department today are leftovers from the YSRCP regime. The allegations reveal that the culture of corruption during the former ministers' period has continued without any concern for accountability.
