The Skill Development Scam in Andhra Pradesh (AP) involves allegations of corruption and financial irregularities related to the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC), which was established to provide skill training to unemployed youth and improve their employability. The scam surfaced around 2014-2015 during the tenure of former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government. Key points about the scam are:
- The AP government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the German company Siemens and its partner DesignTech Systems for a skill development project worth around ₹3,356 crore. The government was to pay 10% (about ₹370 crore), and Siemens was to cover the remaining 90%
- Despite the funds allocated, allegations emerged that ₹241 crore meant for skill development was diverted through shell companies and a newly formed company called P.V.S.P/Skiller Enterprises, instead of being used for training youth. The Crime Investigation Department (CID) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) are investigating the case
- The scam involved awarding contracts without proper scrutiny, inflated invoices, fictitious beneficiaries, and falsified reports to conceal fund mismanagement. It is alleged that the then government officials and politicians colluded to siphon off funds, causing loss to the public exchequer and denying genuine training opportunities to youth
- Former CM Chandrababu Naidu was arrested by the CID in connection with the scam, and several others have been implicated. The case is under investigation by multiple agencies including CID and ED
- The scam has had a significant negative impact by eroding public trust, depriving youth of skill development opportunities, and damaging the state's reputation for governance and investment
In summary, the AP Skill Development Scam is a major corruption case involving misappropriation of government funds intended for youth skill training programs, with serious allegations against political leaders and officials during the TDP government period
