APSPDCL Orders Removal of 69 Shift Operators Over Fake Certificates
The highest number of cases was reported from Kadapa
TIRUPATI: Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (APSPDCL) has ordered the removal of 69 shift operators after an internal inquiry found they had secured jobs using fake ITI certificates.
CMD Shiva Shankar Lotheti said the action followed verification of credentials of outsourced staff working in substations across multiple districts. The probe confirmed that the individuals had submitted forged 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 was reported from Kadapa, 38, followed by Kurnool, 16, while Chittoor and Nellore reported four each. Tirupati and Anantapur had three cases each, and Annamayya one.
Officials said the verification was triggered by specific complaints and focused on suspected cases with discrepancies in educational records. The CMD emphasised that the move is aimed at ensuring only qualified personnel handle substation operations, which are critical to power supply.
The development comes amid ongoing concerns over recruitment practices during the previous regime, with a separate probe already underway.