APSPDCL removes 69 shift operators with fake ITI certificates

Tirupati: The Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (APSPDCL) has ordered the dismissal of 69 shift operators. An internal investigation revealed that they had obtained jobs using fake ITI certificates.

CMD Shiv Shankar Lotheti stated that the action was taken after verifying the credentials of outsourced staff working at substations in several districts. The investigation confirmed that these individuals had submitted fake ITI (electrician) certificates without undergoing the required training.

Superintending engineers have been directed to issue notices to outsourcing agencies to terminate the employees. The highest number of cases were reported from Kadapa (38), followed by Kurnool (16), while Chittoor and Nellore reported four cases each. Tirupati and Anantapur reported three cases each, and Annamalai reported one case.

Officials said the verification was initiated based on specific complaints and focused on suspected cases with discrepancies in educational records. The CMD stressed that the move was aimed at ensuring that only qualified personnel are employed at substations, which are crucial to power supply.

This development comes amid ongoing concerns about recruitment practices during the previous government, which is already under investigation.