In a major crackdown, the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to remove all ineligible Veterinary Assistants, also known as Livestock Assistants, who allegedly secured government jobs using forged and bogus educational certificates. This action follows a detailed report from the state's veterinary council, which suspects massive fraud in appointments made during the previous administration.
Massive Scale of the Alleged Scam
The Andhra Pradesh State Veterinary Council, after a preliminary scrutiny, has raised strong suspicions that approximately 12,000 Veterinary Assistants appointed between 2019 and 2024 under the former YSRCP government entered service with completely fake, forged, or back-dated certificates. The verification of the original documents is set to begin shortly, marking the start of a rigorous official process.
Dr. PV Lakshmaiah, the Chairman of the AP Veterinary Council, has sent a strong recommendation to the state government. He has urged for the immediate dismissal of all individuals who submitted fake certificates and for criminal cases to be registered against them. Lakshmaiah described the situation as "nothing less than daylight robbery of government jobs" and a betrayal of the lakhs of farmers who depend on authentic veterinary services for their livestock.
Zero-Tolerance Stance and Immediate Actions
Dr. Lakshmaiah issued a stern warning, stating that the moment the 100% verification of original certificates begins, every impostor would be thrown out of service on the same day and sent to jail. He emphasized a policy of "no mercy, no compromise" and asserted that no political pressure would be tolerated in this matter. He highlighted that these fraudulent appointments have endangered animal health and farmers' livelihoods for the past five years, and those responsible would now face the full force of the law.
"Around 12,000 fake degree-holders have illegally occupied posts meant for qualified youth — this is the biggest certificate scam ever seen in Andhra Pradesh. We will not spare a single fraudster," Lakshmaiah said. He added that the council is determined to cleanse the department completely and restore public trust.
Government Machinery Springs into Action
Following the Council's forceful recommendation, the state's animal husbandry department has swung into action. It has issued urgent orders to all district collectors and joint directors. Their task is to collect the original certificates of all Veterinary Assistants who were appointed in village and ward secretariats during the 2019–2024 period.
The actual verification process, which will involve cross-checking with the original issuing universities and educational boards, is scheduled to start very soon. Officials have made it clear that any individual found possessing a fake certificate will face instant termination from their job and will subsequently be handed over to the police for legal proceedings. This decisive move aims to rectify a systemic failure and ensure that only qualified personnel serve in these critical roles affecting the state's agricultural backbone.
