APOA President Alleges Large-Scale Fraud in DSC Sports Quota Appointments
Andhra Pradesh Olympic Association (APOA) President R.K. Purushotham has alleged that large-scale irregularities took place in the recruitment of teachers under the DSC sports quota in Andhra Pradesh. He claimed that several sports associations issued fake sports certificates, enabling people with no sporting background to secure government jobs. He also alleged that the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) office played a questionable role in the process.
Purushotham demanded that the government immediately dismiss those who obtained jobs using fake sports certificates and register criminal cases against all those involved.
Fake Sports Certificate Beneficiaries in DSC Recruitment, Says Purushotham
Speaking to the media in Vijayawada, R.K. Purushotham asserted that it is an undeniable fact that several candidates secured DSC sports quota jobs using fake sports certificates.
He stated that individuals with no connection to sports benefited from the quota and described the issue as a long-running systemic fraud rather than an isolated incident.
“Sports Certificates Were Sold Like Fruits on the Road”
Purushotham made serious allegations against certain sports associations, accusing them of issuing fake certificates in exchange for money instead of promoting genuine athletes.
According to him, these associations provided certificates even to people who had never participated in sports, allowing them to secure government employment.
“Sports certificates were sold like fruits on the roadside. It is an open secret,” Purushotham remarked, highlighting what he described as widespread abuse of the sports quota system.
Questions Raised Over SAAP’s Role
Purushotham also questioned the role of the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) in the alleged scam.
He claimed that sports associations wield excessive influence within SAAP, resulting in officials acting according to their recommendations rather than independently verifying certificates.
He alleged that if the certificates had been thoroughly scrutinized, such large-scale irregularities could have been prevented.
Demand for Comprehensive Investigation into DSC Sports Quota Recruitment
The APOA President urged the Andhra Pradesh government to conduct a complete review of all appointments made under the DSC sports quota.
He said the investigation should examine:
- Which candidates secured jobs under the sports quota.
- The sports certificates submitted by each candidate.
- The sports association that issued each certificate.
- Supporting records and documentation related to the certificates.
He also called for the cancellation of recognition granted to sports associations found guilty of issuing fake certificates.
“Dismiss Employees and Register Criminal Cases”
Purushotham stated that departmental action alone would not be sufficient against those who obtained jobs fraudulently.
He demanded that the government:
- Immediately dismiss employees who secured jobs using fake sports certificates.
- Register criminal cases against them.
- Initiate legal action against sports associations that issued fake certificates.
- Investigate SAAP officials who allegedly facilitated or ignored the irregularities.
- Take stringent action against every individual responsible for the alleged scam.
Bihar Action Should Be Replicated in Andhra Pradesh
Referring to a similar case in Bihar, Purushotham said the Bihar government had taken strict action against those who obtained government jobs using fake sports certificates.
According to him, Bihar authorities:
- Terminated the services of ineligible employees.
- Registered criminal cases against them.
- Recovered nearly seven years’ worth of salaries paid to those employees.
He urged the Andhra Pradesh government to adopt similar measures to prevent future misuse of the sports quota.
Genuine Athletes Were the Biggest Victims
Purushotham emphasized that the sports quota was created to provide opportunities to genuine athletes who brought laurels to the state and the country.
However, he alleged that deserving sportspersons were deprived of employment because fake certificate holders occupied those positions.
He described the issue as not merely an employment fraud but a major scam that undermined the credibility of the sports ecosystem.
Will the Andhra Pradesh Government Order an Investigation?
The allegations made by Andhra Pradesh Olympic Association President R.K. Purushotham have triggered widespread debate in political and sporting circles across the state.
Questions are now being raised over whether sports associations issued fake certificates, whether SAAP officials failed to verify them, and whether individuals with no sporting credentials secured government jobs under the sports quota.
The allegations and demands summarized above are claims made by Purushotham. Government authorities have yet to publicly establish these allegations through an official investigation. If the allegations are found to be true, sports bodies and stakeholders are demanding strict legal action against everyone involved, including beneficiaries of fake certificates, officials, and sports associations allegedly linked to the scam.
