Amid continuing criticism that the government has failed to provide satisfactory answers to questions raised by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) over alleged irregularities in DSC recruitment in Andhra Pradesh, fresh allegations have surfaced regarding another government recruitment process. The Opposition has alleged that a series of decisions taken by the coalition government in the recruitment of Veterinary Assistant Surgeons (VAS) have raised serious questions over transparency.
Government Initially Decided to Recruit Through APPSC
The government had initially decided to conduct the recruitment of Veterinary Assistant Surgeons through the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC). In this regard, the government issued GO 21.
However, the government took another decision within less than 24 hours of issuing the order. The decision to abandon the examination process and make appointments purely on the basis of merit has now become a subject of debate.
Recruitment Without Examination Raises Questions
Normally, the recruitment process for these posts involves a written examination covering General Studies and Mental Ability, along with degree-level questions in Veterinary Science.
However, the government’s latest decision to make appointments without conducting an examination and instead rely solely on merit has drawn objections from unemployed candidates and Opposition parties.
Critics have questioned why the established examination-based recruitment process was changed and whether adequate safeguards would be in place to ensure a transparent and fair selection.
APPSC Recruitment Responsibility Withdrawn
The government’s decision to withdraw the recruitment responsibility from APPSC has further intensified the controversy.
Through GO 22, the government withdrew the recruitment process from APPSC and transferred the responsibility to a Selection Committee under the Department of Animal Husbandry.
The YSRCP has questioned the reasons behind the rapid changes, pointing out that the government’s decisions and government orders changed within a span of just 24 hours.
Opposition Questions Continuation of Official
The Opposition has also raised questions over the continuation of Damodar as Director of Animal Husbandry.
The YSRCP has alleged that Damodar is perceived as an officer sympathetic to the TDP and has questioned the decision to entrust the recruitment process to an official facing such political allegations.
The Opposition has sought clarification on whether there was any political motive behind assigning the recruitment process to the department under his leadership.
YSRCP Demands Clarity on Recruitment Process
The Opposition has linked several developments — conducting recruitment without an examination, withdrawing the process from APPSC, and subsequently handing it over to another selection committee — and alleged that these developments raise doubts about transparency in the appointments.
The YSRCP has alleged that selecting candidates solely on the basis of merit without an examination could create scope for favouritism and demanded that the government clearly explain the reasons behind the changes.
The Opposition has also called for greater transparency in the recruitment process and sought a clear explanation from the government regarding the allegations surrounding the appointment of Veterinary Assistant Surgeons.
