Introduction The Volunteer System in Andhra Pradesh has been introduced with the legal motto to address two primary objectives set by the newly elected government. These objectives aim to provide employment opportunities to the younger generation in the state and enhance the efficacy of administration at the grassroots levels. The system is designed to offer corruption-free and hassle-free services to the people in rural and urban areas.

Objectives of the Volunteer System in Andhra Pradesh The Volunteer System in Andhra Pradesh was established with a dual purpose: first, to generate employment for the state’s youth, and second, to streamline governance at the grassroots level by ensuring efficient public service delivery. With over 2.5 lakh volunteers working across villages and urban areas for the last four years, the program aimed to be the face of governance, strengthening welfare schemes’ implementation. Each volunteer, predominantly aged between 18 and 35, receives a monthly honorarium of Rs. 5,000.

Legal Validity of the Volunteer System The Volunteer System’s legal validity has become a contentious issue, with ongoing political disputes between the ruling YSR Congress Party and opposition parties in the state. The controversy escalated due to sensational remarks linking volunteers to human trafficking, voiced by Sir Sri Pawan Kalyan Garu recently. These remarks have drawn attention to the need to address the program’s legitimacy and its impact on the citizens’ data privacy.

Political Controversy Surrounding the Volunteer System The Volunteer System’s political controversy has led to intense debates between the YSR Congress Party government and opposition parties. Pawan Kalyan Garu’s statements about volunteers collecting data from families and its potential misuse for criminal activities, including human trafficking, have stirred public concern. Opposition parties, such as TDP and JSP, have also criticized the reported plans by YSRCP to utilize volunteers for voter enrollment and verification work.

Allegations and Criticisms against the Volunteer System Pawan Kalyan Garu’s allegations have raised serious questions about the government’s use of educated youth as volunteers, with accusations of exploitation. The low honorarium of Rs. 160 per day for the volunteers has been highlighted as a concern, as it falls below the daily wages paid under MGNREGA. Moreover, some opposition leaders have raised doubts about the storage of public data collected by volunteers in Hyderabad, further adding to the controversy.

Defense of the Volunteer System by the Government Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy has come forward to defend the Volunteer System, asserting that the 2,60,000 volunteers are known to locals in their neighborhoods and that they willingly share information. The government emphasizes the positive impact of volunteers on public service delivery and welfare scheme implementation.

Conclusion The Volunteer System in Andhra Pradesh serves as an essential component of the government’s efforts to provide employment opportunities to the youth and enhance administrative efficiency at the grassroots level. However, the system has faced its share of controversies, with allegations of data misuse and criminal activities. As the state grapples with these challenges, it becomes crucial to strike a balance between the program’s objectives and addressing legitimate concerns to ensure a transparent and effective Volunteer System.