Manpower audit underway in AP universities to identify irregular appointments

Vijayawada: HRD and IT minister Nara Lokesh announced that a comprehensive manpower audit is underway across all state universities to identify irregular appointments made during the previous regime. Addressing the assembly on Friday, he assured that strict action will be taken against ineligible personnel once the audit is completed within 30 days.Lokesh said the exercise was prompted by allegations of large-scale irregular recruitments in govt universities. Referring to Andhra University, he alleged it had been "virtually converted into a political office" under the earlier dispensation, with party sympathisers appointed without due process.The minister stressed that the govt is committed to restoring transparency, merit, and academic standards in higher education. He asserted that accountability will be fixed wherever violations are found.MLAs from Visakhapatnam urged the govt to address long-pending demands of daily wage workers, NMR employees, 28-day wage staff, and contract personnel in university hostels and departments. They sought inclusion under the Minimum Time Scale (MTS) and regularisation of eligible contract staff.Lokesh said the government would take a considered decision after reviewing the audit report and consulting the finance department. On allegations against former vice-chancellor Prasad Reddy, he confirmed a vigilance inquiry is in progress, with a report expected in 45 days.He also announced plans to upgrade the Mana Mitra platform, making it more user-friendly through process re-engineering. Mana Mitra 2.0 will be rolled out within 90 days, supported by a door-to-door awareness campaign to expand usage in rural areas. Lokesh said AI integration will enhance efficiency, while clarifying that user data remains with respective departments, not the app.