Andhra Pradesh Lokayukta recovers ₹15.29 crore, disposes of 3,654 complaints in 2025

The Andhra Pradesh Lokayukta disposed of 3,654 complaints and facilitated recoveries amounting to ₹15.29 crore through its interventions, even though the institution functioned without a full-time Lokayukta for most of the year, according to its 2025 annual report.

According to the report released on Monday (March 30, 2026), the office of the Lokayukta remained vacant, with Upa-Lokayukta P. Rajani discharging all responsibilities under the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Lokayukta Act, 1983.

The Lokayukta handled a total of 7,431 cases, including 3,106 fresh complaints and a backlog of 4,325 cases carried forward from the previous year. Of these, 3,654 complaints were disposed of, with nearly half relating to the Revenue Department. Additionally, the institution processed 148 applications under the Right to Information Act, reflecting its focus on transparency.

Significant financial recoveries were made across sectors, including ₹4.99 crore from M/s Vasistha Projects for illegal mineral excavation and ₹3.66 crore towards library cess dues in East Godavari district. Other recoveries included ₹24.21 lakh under the MGNREGS in Nizampatnam village for misappropriation and ₹20.26 lakh in stamp duty from undervalued property registrations at Adoni.

The report also highlighted disciplinary actions taken against erring officials, including the dismissal of five employees in the Telugu Ganga Project for submitting fake land acquisition documents and the removal of 55 medical officers for unauthorised absence.

Penalties were imposed in corruption-related cases, including the demotion of a former Tahsildar for issuing bogus house site pattas and a three-year increment stoppage for a Sub-Registrar responsible for revenue loss.

In addition to the complaint redressal, the Lokayukta undertook several suo motu and public interest interventions. These included directing educational institutions to release original certificates withheld over fee reimbursement disputes, blacklisting and penalising hostel operators for mismanagement of facilities for migrant children, and issuing orders to curb the use of calcium carbide in fruit ripening through district-level monitoring committees.

Measures were also introduced to protect pensioners, including the establishment of helplines in Kurnool and Nandyal to address harassment and bribery in treasury offices.

Despite operational challenges due to the absence of a full-time Lokayukta, the institution maintained a steady pace of investigations and enforcement, underscoring its role in promoting accountability and transparency in public administration..