Spurt In Public Trust, Grievance Redressal In AP: Lokayukta Report

Vijayawada: The annual report of Lokayukta for 2024 has presented a comprehensive overview of the institution's initiatives, achievements, and challenges encountered during the period from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.

Upalokayukta P Rajani, who is performing the duties of Lokayukta submitted the annual report to Governor Justice S Abdul Nazeer at Vijayawada on Monday.

The report recorded increased public trust and grievance redressal. In 2024, Lokayukta received a total of 2,597 complaints, reflecting growing public confidence in the institution’s ability to address grievances and uphold accountability. Kurnool district recorded the highest number of complaints at 431, followed by Krishna district with 230 and Visakhapatnam with 157. However, districts such as Parvathipuram Manyam (9 complaints) and Alluri Sitarama Raju (23 complaints) reported fewer complaints, indicating the need to improve awareness and accessibility in these regions.

Despite the high volume of complaints, the Lokayukta successfully resolved 2,327 complaints during the year, demonstrating remarkable efficiency in grievance redressal. Although the highest number of complaints was resolved in 2023 (3,026 complaints), the consistent efforts of the Lokayukta continue to ensure timely and effective responses to public concerns.

The Lokayukta has confirmed substantial recovery of misappropriated public funds. The Lokayukta facilitated the recovery of Rs61,27,64,314/- during the year 2024, highlighting the institution's unwavering commitment to safeguarding public funds.

Key recoveries include

Rs52,78,48,436 of irregularly diverted NHM Central Government funds.

Rs2,60,64,401 of misappropriated MGNREGS funds, Rs99,09,312 from unauthorised layout owners and irregular land-use applications in Bhimavaram Municipality.

Rs1,97,65,412 of additional MGNREGS funds was misused in various instances. Rs1,25,87,000in library cess was paid to Zilla Grandalaya Samsthas. Other recoveries include Rs43,73,600 from a cooperative society president and Rs3,00,000 from negligent medical officers.

These efforts demonstrate the Lokayukta's success in reclaiming misappropriated funds and ensuring they are restored to public use.

The Lokayukta addressed several critical environmental and land-related issues during 2024. A notable case involved environmental concerns caused by the operations of Dalmia Cements (Bharath Ltd.), which led to air and dust pollution, crop damage, and public health hazards. Following the Lokayukta’s intervention and recommendations, the Government of Andhra Pradesh constituted a High-Level Grievance Redressal Committee through GO.Ms.No.90 dated 17.12.2024, marking a significant step toward resolving the grievances of the affected villagers.

The Lokayukta also took firm action to prevent encroachment, unauthorized sand reaches, illegal sand mining, and irregular land entries.

Revenue authorities were directed to rectify irregular land records and take corrective action to prevent further violations.