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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
- Politics
- Hans India
Rs 1.53 cr Chandragiri sports centre works begin
Tirupati: The construction of the incomplete Sports Development Centre at Government Boys School in Chandragiri resumed on Monday. Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) Chairman A Ravi Naidu and Chandragiri MLA Pulivarthi Nani laid foundation stone to restart the works, which are estimated to cost Rs 1.53 crore. Speaking at the event, SAAP Chairman Ravi Naidu said the coalition government is committed to encouraging students to excel not only in academics but also in sports. He criticised the previous administration, claiming that the centre's development was hindered by selfish political motives. MLA Pulivarthi Nani noted that the coalition government began various development projects in Chandragiri constituency immediately after assuming office. Restarting the Sports Development Centre is part of the broader agenda, he said, adding that the constituency has seen 937 development programmes initiated within the past year. He blamed the previous YSRCP government for the halt in construction, citing delayed contractor payments despite approved bills. He instructed the contractor to ensure the centre is completed promptly and with high quality.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Andhra Pradesh government plans to set up international sports university, sports city in Vijayawada
1 2 Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh govt is planning to transform Amaravati into a sporting powerhouse with a sprawling sports city and international sports university in over 2,000 acres in Ibrahimpatnam in Vijayawada. Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) chairman A Ravi Naidu announced that the state is committed to positioning Amaravati as the 'sports capital' of India. Addressing the media on Thursday, Ravi Naidu said that a proposal to host the 2026 Khelo India Games in Vijayawada was submitted to the Centre, and it is expected to receive approval soon. He emphasised that this event could bring national attention to the region and elevate AP's status on the sports map. Highlighting local developments, the SAA chairman said that the Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium in Vijayawada is being upgraded into a multi-disciplinary facility capable of hosting international-level events. The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) has already committed ₹40 crore for its development, while the total estimated cost is around ₹70 crore. However, Ravi Naidu expressed concerns over VMC's demand for monthly rent, despite the stadium being intended for a nationally significant event. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This house on the South Downs coastline could be yours [Click here] Omaze Click Here Undo A formal appeal was made to the municipal administration minister to waive the rent, considering the larger public interest. The state is also planning to construct stadia in every assembly constituency and develop sports infrastructure in 46,000 govt schools with the help of the school education department. In a sharp political attack, Ravi Naidu criticised former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy for allegedly targeting the women of Amaravati. Referring to Jagan's call to mark the regime change as 'Backstab Day', he said it insulted the will of the people. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Hans India
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
DSC aspirants thank CM Chandrababu and Lokesh
Tirupati: Sports Authority of AP (SAAP) Chairman A Ravi Naidu said that the long-cherished dream of DSC (District Selection Committee) aspirants has finally been realised. He credited Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Education Minister Nara Lokesh for keeping their promise to issue the DSC notification soon after formingthe government. Speaking at a gratitude event organised in front of the Tirupati RDO office, Ravi Naidu stated that the alliance government's decision to release the DSC notification is a strong testament to its commitment to good governance. DSC aspirants and leaders of the Telugu Nadu Students Federation (TNSF) participated in the gathering and performed 'Ksheerabhishekam' (milk ritual) to portraits of Chandrababu Naidu and Lokesh. President of the Tirupati Parliament TNSF Kotte Hemanth Royal also spoke at the event, noting the widespread joy among aspirants across the state. He highlighted that the notification covers 16,347 posts and comes as a huge relief for candidates who have been waiting for the last six years. TNSF city president Venkatesh Yadav, state members RK Naidu, Vishnu, Ganesh, and several others participated in the programme.
