Tadepalli, May 6: YSRCP MLC and Women’s Wing President Varudu Kalyani has unveiled a shocking scam in the coalition government’s women’s skill development program, orchestrating a Rs. 254 crore embezzlement under the guise of sewing machine training for marginalized women. Speaking at the YSRCP Central Office in Tadepalli, Kalyani lambasted the government for turning a program meant to empower BC, EBC, and Kapu women into a “corruption goldmine,” with an initial Rs. 157 crore misappropriation attempt already underway.
Kalyani revealed that the government deliberately sidelined reputed public-sector training institutions like CEDAP, APITCO, and DDU-GKY, awarding inflated tenders to cronies in violation of norms. While the actual cost of training and providing sewing machines per woman is approximately Rs. 7,300, the government inflated estimates to Rs. 23,000, siphoning off Rs. 15,700 per beneficiary. She disclosed that contractors received Rs. 25 crore as mobilization advances, despite providing only 135 hours of training against the mandated 360 hours and failing to supply training kits. Coalition government is favoring TDP-affiliated contractors, with 93% of contracts awarded to L2 and L3 bidders, bypassing the lowest bidder (L1).
“It’s a systematic loot of public funds meant for women’s upliftment,” Kalyani declared. “The coalition promised ‘Super Six’ schemes but delivered ‘Super Scams,’ betraying 2.5 crore women who awaited promised initiatives like Thalli Ki Vandanam, Mahashakti, free bus travel, and Kalyanamasthu.” She highlighted the government’s failure to honor election pledges and its scrapping of welfare schemes like Asara, Cheyutha, and Kapu Nestham, which previously empowered women under the YSRCP regime.
Kalyani demanded an immediate ACB investigation into the scam, vowing to fight for justice for the one lakh women cheated by the program. “The coalition’s rule is a saga of deceit, debt, and plunder. From sand and liquor to Amaravati tenders and power purchase deals, their corruption knows no bounds. We will not rest until this injustice is exposed and reversed,” she asserted.
The YSRCP calls on the public and media to hold the government accountable and urges swift action to restore transparency and fairness in women’s welfare programs. The party remains committed to safeguarding the rights and aspirations of Andhra Pradesh’s women.
Massive corruption in women’s skill training program
