ESI scam: YSRCP Trade Union chief seeks arrest of TDP leader K Atchen Naidu

YSRCP Trade Union president P Gowtham Reddy on Friday demanded arrest of former labour minister of Andhra Pradesh and TDP leader K Atchen Naidu, for his alleged involvement in ESI scam. 

He demanded YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government to expose Employee’s State Insurance (ESI) scandal, and collect money deceived by Naidu.

"Andhra Pradesh Vigilance and Enforcement Officials have identified that big scam took place since past six years in purchases of medicines, machinery and furniture.

Those involved in ESI scam in Telangana state are said to be involved in same scam in Andhra Pradesh too. Furr, n labour minister and TDP leader K Atchen Naidu said that he had followed procedure like that of Telangana," Reddy told ANI.

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About ESI scam

Huge irregularities were found in purchase of medicines and or equipments by  ESI from 2014 to 2019 by Vigilance Department in Andhra Pradesh.

Upon studying records,  vigilance sleuths found irregularities in purchases for four ESI hospitals, three diagstic centres and 78 ESI dispensaries.

K Atchen Naidu, however, dismissed allegations and accused ruling YSRCP of indulging in 'mud-slinging' against him in connection with irregularities in ESI procurements.

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Allegations against TDP leaders

YSRCP leader alleged that three companies in which irregularities were found belong to same person, and those companies were recommended by n minister K Atchen Naidu.

"Facts will come out if former minister is arrested and inquired," Reddy said.

Gowtham Reddy also alleged that Rs 300 crores which were allocated to labour department were used by former Chief Minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu for 'Pasupu-Kumkuma' scheme.

He said that welfare scheme was just launched by former TDP government before elections to woo DWCRA women.

"Misappropriation of those funds also should be inquired," he demanded.

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