Cleanup Drive Gathers Pace in Telangana Oilfed
Article Today, Hyderabad
The Telangana State Co-operative Oilseeds Growers Federation (Oilfed) is witnessing a major administrative shake-up. The ongoing clean-up was triggered by successive reports published by Sahanam Vande https://sahanamvande.com/?p=4916 and Article Today – https://articletoday.in/tirumaleshreddy-controls-oilfed/ which exposed irregularities within the corporation. These reports brought attention to various alleged scams, including substandard sapling distribution and controversies around the construction of the Narmetta factory. As a result, Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, Oilfed Chairman Janga Raghava Reddy, and newly appointed Managing Director (MD) Shankaraiah have begun taking stern measures. The drive began with the replacement of former MD Yasmin Basha by Shankaraiah and has now intensified further.
Finance Department Taken Away from Tirumaleshwar Reddy
Tirumaleshwar Reddy, who held four key portfolios within Oilfed — Finance, Marketing, Bulk Marketing, and OPS Factory — has now been partially relieved of his duties. Allegations of monopoly and misuse of power led to this move. According to reports, Reddy exercised total control over these departments without delegating authority. Following Sahanam Vande’s investigative reports and internal scrutiny, the crucial Finance department has been handed over to an officer from the Co-operative Department.
Concerns over Financial Irregularities
The Finance department is responsible for handling transactions worth hundreds of crores. Concerns were raised that funds were being mismanaged or diverted. Critics claimed that Reddy appointed a close associate as auditor to manage these finances discreetly. Allegedly, he even removed a previously appointed audit agency midway and assigned the task to another firm without due process. These charges are now under review, and further decisions are expected soon.
Sapling Scam and Narmetta Factory Controversy
One of the major concerns surrounding Oilfed is the sapling scam. Several farmers alleged that they received genetically defective and poor-quality plants. As a result, a central government team is currently inspecting plantations in Ashwaraopet and Dummugudem. Earlier, former MD Nirmala issued recovery notices worth ₹40 lakh to a concerned officer. However, her successor allegedly protected the same individual by offering him a strategic role in the corporation. The man in question now holds significant influence within Oilfed.
ST Commission Probes Farmers’ Complaints
The issue escalated further after the National ST Commission began examining complaints from affected tribal farmers. They alleged financial and agricultural losses due to the supply of substandard plants. The commission’s intervention brought national attention to the situation. These developments have increased pressure on the Oilfed leadership to take swift disciplinary action.
More Officers Likely to Face Action
Sources indicate that more officials may face suspension or removal. A senior officer has already expressed resentment over being sidelined while two junior officers were appointed above him. Meanwhile, another key official is reportedly seeking deputation to escape scrutiny. This suggests that the clean-up is making many within the organisation uncomfortable.
New Appointments Signal Structural Changes
Kiran, an officer deputed from the Horticultural University, was recently appointed as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in Oilfed. He has now been given additional responsibility as Special Officer for the undivided Khammam district. His role is to identify and rectify ongoing irregularities in the region. His appointment reflects the administration’s seriousness in tackling corruption at the grassroots level.
