Andhra Pradesh – The Commune https://thecommunemag.com Mainstreaming Alternate Sat, 25 Oct 2025 07:48:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://thecommunemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/cropped-TC_SF-1-32x32.jpg Andhra Pradesh – The Commune https://thecommunemag.com 32 32 Vijayawada: Hindu Students Allegedly Denied Entry Into School For Wearing Sabarimala Ayyappa Mala https://thecommunemag.com/vijayawada-hindu-students-allegedly-denied-entry-into-school-for-wearing-sabarimala-ayyappa-mala/ Sat, 25 Oct 2025 07:48:38 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=132238 A controversy erupted at Arunodaya Concept High School in Bhavanipuram, Vijayawada, on 18 October 2025, after two students were allegedly denied entry for wearing Ayyappa Swamy malas. The incident occurred when two boys from Classes 3 and 5 arrived at school wearing the sacred mala, traditionally worn by devotees during the Ayyappa pilgrimage season. Ayyappa […]

The post Vijayawada: Hindu Students Allegedly Denied Entry Into School For Wearing Sabarimala Ayyappa Mala appeared first on The Commune.

]]>

A controversy erupted at Arunodaya Concept High School in Bhavanipuram, Vijayawada, on 18 October 2025, after two students were allegedly denied entry for wearing Ayyappa Swamy malas. The incident occurred when two boys from Classes 3 and 5 arrived at school wearing the sacred mala, traditionally worn by devotees during the Ayyappa pilgrimage season.

According to reports, the school management refused to allow the students inside the premises, citing a restriction on wearing religious symbols. Upon learning of the incident, the children’s parents arrived at the school and confronted Principal Bezawada Raja Rao. Local Ayyappa devotees also gathered in protest, demanding that the school withdraw its decision. Witnesses allege that the principal misbehaved with some parents during the confrontation and reiterated that students would not be permitted to attend classes wearing the mala.

As the situation grew tense, police arrived at the school to prevent escalation. Following discussions, the school management informed the police that they had written to the District Education Officer (DEO) seeking guidance on the matter and would review their position once a response was received. The police urged both sides to maintain peace, after which the Ayyappa devotees temporarily called off their protest.

The incident has drawn attention on social media, with users comparing it to the more recent Kerala hijab controversy, where a Muslim student was denied entry to a Christian institution. Critics allege a lack of national media coverage in the Vijayawada case, highlighting what they describe as uneven responses to issues of religious expression in educational institutions.

(Source: NTVTelugu)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, Instagram and YouTube to get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post Vijayawada: Hindu Students Allegedly Denied Entry Into School For Wearing Sabarimala Ayyappa Mala appeared first on The Commune.

]]>
Andhra Pradesh CM, Family Turn Mentors Under Zero Poverty Initiative https://thecommunemag.com/andhra-pradesh-cm-family-turn-mentors-under-zero-poverty-initiative/ Fri, 25 Jul 2025 16:14:16 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=122279 Leading by example, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and his family members have come forward to become mentors under the state government’s zero poverty initiative P4. The Chief Minister and his family would personally adopt Bangaru Kutumbams, as the beneficiary families under the programme are called. During a review meeting held on Friday […]

The post Andhra Pradesh CM, Family Turn Mentors Under Zero Poverty Initiative appeared first on The Commune.

]]>

Leading by example, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and his family members have come forward to become mentors under the state government’s zero poverty initiative P4.

The Chief Minister and his family would personally adopt Bangaru Kutumbams, as the beneficiary families under the programme are called. During a review meeting held on Friday at the Secretariat on P4 initiative, the Chief Minister announced that he and members of his family would actively participate in the programme He stated that this personal involvement would inspire others and encourage more affluent citizens to come forward as mentors.

The Chief Minister reiterated that by August 15, efforts must be made to ensure the adoption of 15 lakh Bangaru Kutumbams by mentors. As of now, 5,74,811 families have been adopted and 57,503 individuals have registered as mentors. Officials informed him that an additional two lakh mentors are required to reach the goal. Palnadu district has recorded the highest number of adoptions, while Visakhapatnam has the fewest.

The Zero Poverty P4 programme is being implemented through three models. In the first model, a mentor adopts a Bangaru Kutumbam and provides non-financial assistance.

This approach does not have a time limit. The second model, titled Fund a Need, is designed to provide direct financial support to Kutumbams with specific monetary needs and is time-bound. The third model involves adopting entire villages or mandals to fulfill broader community needs and organise developmental and welfare activities. This model is aligned with corporate social responsibility and is intended specifically for corporate participation.

The Chief Minister said that the P4 initiative is evolving into a people’s movement and reiterated that the empowerment of poor families is a core objective of the coalition government. He urged officials to implement the most effective strategies across all regions to ensure the success of the programme.

He called on Telugu people around the world to become part of the initiative and advised officials to engage the AP NRT Society to involve the diaspora. He also stressed the responsibility of district collectors to coordinate with corporate organisations and encourage their participation. Emphasisng the importance of local engagement, he suggested that villages be taken as the basic unit and that NRIs and industrialists from those regions adopt local Bangaru Kutumbams. In the absence of local mentors, he directed officials to establish connections with non-local supporters.

To accommodate donors at the state level, the Chief Minister proposed the creation of a common fund that would be used to provide support to Bangaru Kutumbams. The Chief Minister directed that the survey identifying the top priorities of Bangaru Kutumbams be completed by August 10. He emphasised the need to gather feedback on both financial and non-financial assistance provided by mentors.

Officials must instill trust among mentors and ensure that all information about Bangaru Kutumbams and mentors is accurately recorded at the village and ward secretariat levels. Only then, he said, can justice be delivered to all beneficiaries. He also instructed P4 coordinators to use online platforms to raise awareness among Bangaru Kutumbams. Adopted Kutumbams are receiving timely updates through automated messages. Officials also briefed the Chief Minister on the digital promotion campaign being implemented to expand public awareness of the P4 initiative via social media and other platforms.

–IANS

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post Andhra Pradesh CM, Family Turn Mentors Under Zero Poverty Initiative appeared first on The Commune.

]]>
TTD Suspends Assistant EO Who Attended Sunday Church Prayers Violating Code Of Conduct https://thecommunemag.com/ttd-suspends-assistant-eo-who-attended-sunday-church-prayers-violating-code-of-conduct/ Tue, 08 Jul 2025 17:15:54 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=120457 The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has suspended Assistant Executive Officer A. Rajasekhar Babu for attending Sunday morning church services in his hometown of Puttur. The action, announced today via the TTD’s official X handle, cites a breach of the institution’s service norms, which mandate devotional adherence to Hindu rituals by its employees. TTD AEO Rajasekhar […]

The post TTD Suspends Assistant EO Who Attended Sunday Church Prayers Violating Code Of Conduct appeared first on The Commune.

]]>

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has suspended Assistant Executive Officer A. Rajasekhar Babu for attending Sunday morning church services in his hometown of Puttur. The action, announced today via the TTD’s official X handle, cites a breach of the institution’s service norms, which mandate devotional adherence to Hindu rituals by its employees.

According to TTD sources, the Vigilance Department flagged Babu’s regular participation in Christian prayer services as irresponsible and contrary to the expected conduct of employees in a Hindu temple administration.

The disciplinary proceedings, including his immediate suspension, were initiated following a detailed report and corroborating evidence.

This is not an isolated case. TTD has reportedly transferred at least 18 other employees—ranging from teachers to nurses—for taking part in non-Hindu religious activities, indicating a pattern of strict enforcement

In a statement, TTD emphasized that employees are expected to “uphold the traditions and practices of the Hindu religious organisation they represent,” making Babu’s church attendance a direct violation of his professional obligations

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post TTD Suspends Assistant EO Who Attended Sunday Church Prayers Violating Code Of Conduct appeared first on The Commune.

]]>
Mysterious Fire Destroys ISKCON’s Kurma Village Temple In Srikakulam, SP Denies Foul Play https://thecommunemag.com/mysterious-fire-destroys-iskcons-kurma-village-temple-in-srikakulam-sp-denies-foul-play/ Wed, 18 Jun 2025 10:28:37 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=118171 Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan voiced deep concern over the recent fire that destroyed Kurma village’s farm community temple near Hiramandalam. Calling the incident deeply unfortunate, he emphasized the need for a thorough investigation and assured that the government would provide all necessary assistance to the affected community. Kurma village, established by ISKCON, […]

The post Mysterious Fire Destroys ISKCON’s Kurma Village Temple In Srikakulam, SP Denies Foul Play appeared first on The Commune.

]]>

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan voiced deep concern over the recent fire that destroyed Kurma village’s farm community temple near Hiramandalam. Calling the incident deeply unfortunate, he emphasized the need for a thorough investigation and assured that the government would provide all necessary assistance to the affected community.

Kurma village, established by ISKCON, is known for its spiritual values, commitment to traditional living, natural farming, and Vedic education. Pawan Kalyan acknowledged its cultural significance and said it stands as a rare example of sustainable heritage worth preserving in today’s fast-changing world.

The fire reportedly broke out in a prayer room constructed from mud and straw, sparking suspicion among the locals about possible foul play. However, Srikakulam SP K.V. Maheswara Reddy on 14 June 2025 clarified in a statement that initial investigations found no evidence of malicious intent or external involvement.

Residents explained that lighting oil lamps for prayer is a daily practice and that these are typically extinguished afterward. Officials believe that an unattended lamp might have led to the blaze. Samples and evidence from the site have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for further analysis.

What the Head Priest Says?

Speaking to the local media, the temple priest Charan Das recounted, “Everything happened on the night of the 10th, Tuesday, around 9:45 PM. Usually, all our activities conclude by 8 PM. By 8:30 PM, the temple hall is completely closed. The structure is made entirely of palm leaves, standing at a height of at least 25 feet and measuring about 120 by 60 feet in size.

At exactly 9:45 PM, a fire broke out in one corner of the temple. That spot houses the Radha-Krishna idols. There are no lamps or candles left burning after we finish. Our routine is very strict — everything is shut by 8:30 PM, and the priest exits with a small lantern. Even if by chance a lamp was left lit, the nearby houses would have clearly noticed it and alerted us immediately.

But on that particular day, everything was shut by 8:30 PM. After that, no one was inside. Suddenly by 9:45 PM, flames erupted in the corner, and within just 10 minutes — by 9:55 — the fire had spread rapidly. The entire structure, including the straw roof, caught fire all at once. Though it had rained earlier that evening, which usually reduces fire risk, the structure still burned down in seconds. It was as if petrol had been poured — that’s how intense and fast the fire spread. The heat was so strong that no one could go within 50 feet of it. Even now, four days later, we can still feel the residual heat.

We stood and watched in disbelief as the fire consumed everything. The flames reached all corners, even areas covered with cross beams and diamond-pattern wooden ventilation slats. It’s shocking — both the top and bottom caught fire almost simultaneously.”

The anchor questioned, “I have a serious doubt here. For such a massive fire to break out, either an electrical fault or an open flame should be involved. But there was no electricity in the area, and no lamps were left burning.”

Charan Das replied, “That leaves us with only one possibility — foul play. It seems likely that someone, driven by jealousy or resentment, may have done this intentionally. Kurma village promotes spiritual values and traditional living. Every day, we get around 300–400 visitors. About 20–30 people even stay to learn how our ancestors lived. Some come to study the Bhagavad Gita. There’s a noble spirit here. But just as in ancient times — even during Prahlada’s era — whenever there is devotion, there are always forces working against it. We suspect that someone who doesn’t want this dharmic way of life to thrive may have done this. Today, we see similar incidents happening elsewhere too — idols being vandalized or temples being targeted. We left behind jobs and city life to live peacefully and simply. That’s the kind of community we have here.”

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post Mysterious Fire Destroys ISKCON’s Kurma Village Temple In Srikakulam, SP Denies Foul Play appeared first on The Commune.

]]>
Tiruchanur: Varahi Amman Temple Vandalized In Midnight Attack, Idols Desecrated, Thrown In River https://thecommunemag.com/tiruchanur-varahi-amman-temple-vandalized-in-midnight-attack-idols-desecrated-thrown-in-river/ Tue, 17 Jun 2025 11:21:33 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=118042 In a shocking turn of events, unknown assailants have vandalized the Varahi Amman Temple in Tiruchanur, located in the Tirupati district. The idol of the goddess, along with other sacred statues, was destroyed and thrown into the Swarnamukhi River, causing outrage among the local community. This temple, situated near the famous Padmavathi Temple, has been […]

The post Tiruchanur: Varahi Amman Temple Vandalized In Midnight Attack, Idols Desecrated, Thrown In River appeared first on The Commune.

]]>

In a shocking turn of events, unknown assailants have vandalized the Varahi Amman Temple in Tiruchanur, located in the Tirupati district. The idol of the goddess, along with other sacred statues, was destroyed and thrown into the Swarnamukhi River, causing outrage among the local community. This temple, situated near the famous Padmavathi Temple, has been the subject of an ongoing dispute over its land ownership, which some claim to be theirs. This disagreement appears to have escalated into the temple’s destruction.

The incident took place around midnight on 10 June 2025, when a group of unidentified individuals demolished the temple structure and destroyed the principal idol (Moolavirat) and other statues. The debris was then thrown into the nearby Swarnamukhi River, sparking an uproar in the local community.

For several days now, there has been a legal dispute regarding the ownership of the land on which the temple stands. Reports indicate that two individuals, Mani Reddy and Rami Reddy, have filed a petition in a local court, asserting that the land on which the Varahi Amma Temple stands belongs to them. Despite the case being pending, the duo, along with around 30 unidentified individuals, reportedly attacked the temple on 9 June, vandalizing the premises and manhandling women who tried to intervene. A complaint was filed with the Tiruchanur police, but no action was taken, even though the entire incident was captured on CCTV footage.

Locals believe that the police’s inaction is due to alleged political influence, with the two men purportedly receiving backing from the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP).

Emboldened by the lack of a police response, the group of miscreants returned to the temple on the night of 10 June with earthmovers and destroyed the structure. They also desecrated the idols and discarded them into the Swarnamukhi River. Upon learning of the incident, members of the Bajrang Dal and other Hindu organizations arrived at the site, retrieved the damaged idols from the river, and have since demanded strict action against those responsible. They have warned of large-scale protests unless the culprits are apprehended and held accountable for the destruction.

According to reports, it is alleged that TDP leaders paid ₹10 lakh to the miscreants in exchange for their involvement in taking control of the temple land. The vandalism was reportedly spearheaded by TDP leader Kishore Reddy, who is known to be a supporter of Chandragiri MLA Pulivarthi Nani.

Furthermore, locals have raised suspicions that the destruction of the temple is part of a broader scheme to enable illegal sand mining operations by a sand mafia active along the banks of the Swarnamukhi River. The incident has sparked widespread anger among local communities and religious groups, who are demanding immediate intervention and accountability for the attack on the sacred site.

This incident has caused significant outrage among Hindu groups, who are now demanding stringent action against those responsible. On Wednesday, Union Minister Bandi Sanjay visited Tirupati and met with concerned citizens to address the issue. Hindu organizations attempted to lodge complaints with the minister, but police obstructed their efforts. As a result, the groups staged a protest near the local police station, calling for strict action against the culprits.

The desecration of the Varahi Amma Temple has left the local community in shock and has sparked further unrest over the growing tensions surrounding the site. Hindu organizations are adamant that the government take immediate action to ensure the perpetrators are held accountable and that religious harmony is preserved.

(With inputs from Sakshi Post)

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post Tiruchanur: Varahi Amman Temple Vandalized In Midnight Attack, Idols Desecrated, Thrown In River appeared first on The Commune.

]]>
Andhra Deputy Speaker Demands Action Against YSRCP Leader Over Inappropriate Remarks https://thecommunemag.com/andhra-deputy-speaker-demands-action-against-ysrcp-leader-over-inappropriate-remarks/ Tue, 10 Jun 2025 15:03:43 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=117195 Andhra Pradesh Assembly Deputy Speaker K. Raghu Rama Krishna Raju has demanded action against YSR Congress Party leader Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy for his alleged inappropriate remarks against women from the state capital Amaravati. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader wrote a letter to Director General of Police on Tuesday, seeking action against Sajjala for the […]

The post Andhra Deputy Speaker Demands Action Against YSRCP Leader Over Inappropriate Remarks appeared first on The Commune.

]]>

Andhra Pradesh Assembly Deputy Speaker K. Raghu Rama Krishna Raju has demanded action against YSR Congress Party leader Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy for his alleged inappropriate remarks against women from the state capital Amaravati.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader wrote a letter to Director General of Police on Tuesday, seeking action against Sajjala for the remarks allegedly made at a press conference on Monday. The Deputy Speaker alleged that YSRCP State coordinator Sajjala made casteist remarks while defending the comments made by ‘Sakshi TV’ anchor Kommineni Srinivasa Rao, who was arrested by the police on Monday for the alleged derogatory remarks against Amaravati women during a debate show aired on the channel. Raju said Sajjala’s remarks have hurt the feelings of thousands of people in Amaravati.

He demanded that a case be booked against him under SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. He also urged the DGP to ensure that no one makes such comments in future. Sajjala had made some objectionable remarks while defending Srinivasa Rao and analyst Krishnam Raju, who have been booked for their comments about Amaravati women during a debate on the channel owned by YSRCP president and former chief minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Taking strong exception to the arrest of Srinivasa Rao, Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy had termed it a blot on democracy. The YSRCP leader stated that the anchor, while moderating a debate on a TV channel, had cautioned the analyst about passing the remarks, which were based on a media report. The presenter did not extend the discussion on the point, nor was it highlighted further. Sajjala, a former advisor to the state government, accused Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of a sinister design to blow it up into a major issue. He alleged that despite Srinivasa Rao’s clarification and analyst Krishnam Raju’s explanation, the issue was widely circulated.

“From Naidu to Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, TDP leaders and their propaganda machinery amplified it in a concerted, organised manner-culminating in the journalist’s arrest,” Sajjala said. He pointed out that the TV channel distanced itself from the analyst’s remarks, and clearly stated that it does not endorse such statements, which were Krishnam Raju’s personal views. Sajjala said the TDP and its media network escalated the issue, targeting the YSRCP leadership and family. Instead of ending the matter with the clarification and regret expressed, dissent was deliberately stirred from Srikakulam to Chittoor to divert public attention from the government’s failure to implement schemes, he said.

–IANS

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post Andhra Deputy Speaker Demands Action Against YSRCP Leader Over Inappropriate Remarks appeared first on The Commune.

]]>
“SC/ST Act Cannot Be Invoked By Christian Convert”, Says AP High Court, Quashes FIR Against Accused https://thecommunemag.com/sc-st-act-cannot-be-invoked-by-christian-convert-says-ap-high-court-quashes-fir-against-accused/ Fri, 02 May 2025 11:12:26 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=113976   In a significant ruling, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has held that a person who has converted to Christianity cannot invoke the protections of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The Court quashed an FIR and subsequent charges filed under the SC/ST Act against the accused, citing the […]

The post “SC/ST Act Cannot Be Invoked By Christian Convert”, Says AP High Court, Quashes FIR Against Accused appeared first on The Commune.

]]>

 

In a significant ruling, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has held that a person who has converted to Christianity cannot invoke the protections of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The Court quashed an FIR and subsequent charges filed under the SC/ST Act against the accused, citing the complainant’s conversion and his role as a pastor.

Justice Harinath N, presiding over the single-judge bench, ruled that once a person voluntarily converts to another religion, they cease to be a member of the Scheduled Caste for the purpose of the SC/ST Act. “The 2nd respondent has ceased to be a Member of the Scheduled Caste Community the day he had converted into Christianity,” the Court observed.

The complainant in the case, a Christian pastor, had alleged that he was assaulted by the petitioners during a prayer service. Based on his complaint, an FIR was registered under Sections 3(1)(r), 3(1)(s), and 3(2)(va) of the SC/ST Act, along with Sections 341, 506, 323, and 34 of the IPC. The petitioners, however, contended that the charges under the SC/ST Act were legally untenable since the complainant had converted to Christianity and was no longer entitled to the protections of the Act.

The Court accepted the petitioners’ argument, noting that the complainant had been functioning as a pastor for over a decade. “Having converted to Christianity and admitting his role as a Pastor in a Church, the 2nd respondent could not invoke the provisions of the SC/ST Act,” Justice Harinath stated.

The complainant had claimed he was still eligible for protection under the SC/ST Act based on a caste certificate issued by the Tahsildar identifying him as belonging to the ‘Hindu-Madiga’ caste. However, the Court clarified that mere possession of an unrevoked caste certificate cannot override the fundamental change in religious status brought by conversion.

“Caste system is alien to Christianity,” the Court emphasized, reiterating that the protective legislation is applicable only to individuals who continue to belong to the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes in terms of their religious identity.

In its final order, the Court quashed the pending Special Case No. 36 of 2021 on the file of the IV Additional District and Sessions Judge-cum-SC/ST Court, Guntur, and allowed the criminal petition filed by the accused. It also observed that the complaint appeared to be false and that no purpose would be served by subjecting the petitioners to trial.

(With inputs from Verdictum)

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post “SC/ST Act Cannot Be Invoked By Christian Convert”, Says AP High Court, Quashes FIR Against Accused appeared first on The Commune.

]]>
MHA Refuses To Renew FCRA License Of Andhra NGO Rural Development Trust In Andhra Pradesh, Amid Religious Conversion, Fund Misuse Allegations https://thecommunemag.com/mha-refuses-to-renew-fcra-license-of-andhra-ngo-rural-development-trust-in-andhra-pradesh-amid-conversion-fund-misuse-allegations/ Wed, 30 Apr 2025 07:56:20 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=113715 In a significant development, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has refused to renew the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registration of the Rural Development Trust (RDT), a prominent NGO based in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. IMPORTANT: Following our relentless complaints, the Ministry of Home Affairs has finally cracked down on the controversial Rural Development Trust […]

The post MHA Refuses To Renew FCRA License Of Andhra NGO Rural Development Trust In Andhra Pradesh, Amid Religious Conversion, Fund Misuse Allegations appeared first on The Commune.

]]>

In a significant development, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has refused to renew the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registration of the Rural Development Trust (RDT), a prominent NGO based in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh.

The move follows a detailed complaint filed by the Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF), a legal activism group, in March 2024, alleging serious violations of FCRA norms, misuse of government funds, and involvement in religious conversion activities.

The Rural Development Trust, established in 1978 by Spanish Jesuit missionary Vicente Ferrer, is currently led by his son Moncho Ferrer, who is also a foreign national. The trust had been operating under FCRA Registration No: 010120001. It is also linked to the Vicente Ferrer Foundation Inc., a U.S.-registered public charity chaired by Moncho Ferrer, which is one of RDT’s major donors.

Recent amendments to FCRA prohibit a key functionary of an Indian recipient organization from holding any official position in the donor entity. The complaint raised concerns over this dual role, citing non-compliance.

Among the most serious allegations is the misuse of foreign donations and state-provided financial assistance for religious conversion. The complaint claims that free housing colonies built under welfare schemes were used to facilitate Christian missionary activities, including the construction of churches.

Between 2014–15 and 2017–18 alone, the Andhra Pradesh government had allocated over ₹205 crore to RDT through its Housing Corporation Ltd and Rural Water Supply & Sanitation Department for various projects.

The complaint also pointed to potential violations of data privacy laws. Reports submitted by the Vicente Ferrer Foundation (VFF) to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) indicate that personal details—including minors’ educational performance and health data—were shared with foreign donors under the Child Sponsorship Program. Sponsors reportedly received biannual updates from children about their personal lives, raising concerns about the exposure of sensitive information to foreign entities.

Adding to the controversy, the MHA’s investigation reportedly uncovered misappropriation of at least ₹26 crore. This amount was collected as patient fees at the NGO’s hospitals in Kalyanadurgam and Bathalapally, both established using foreign funds. However, the money was not routed through the FCRA-designated bank accounts, a clear violation of the Act.

In light of these findings, the MHA has refused to renew RDT’s FCRA license. The decision is seen as part of a broader crackdown on NGOs accused of flouting FCRA rules and misusing foreign contributions.

The LRPF welcomed the government’s action and urged further investigation into the trust’s financial dealings and activities, citing national and social security concerns.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post MHA Refuses To Renew FCRA License Of Andhra NGO Rural Development Trust In Andhra Pradesh, Amid Religious Conversion, Fund Misuse Allegations appeared first on The Commune.

]]>
Guntur, AP: Four-Year-Old Boy Mauled To Death By Stray Dogs https://thecommunemag.com/guntur-ap-four-year-old-boy-mauled-to-death-by-stray-dogs/ Tue, 08 Apr 2025 03:53:51 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=112117 In a heart-wrenching incident that has triggered grief and outrage, a four-year-old boy was mauled to death by a pack of stray dogs in Swarna Bharathi Nagar, Guntur. The child, identified as Isaac, was reportedly playing near his home when a group of stray dogs attacked him, biting him severely on the neck. Locals rushed […]

The post Guntur, AP: Four-Year-Old Boy Mauled To Death By Stray Dogs appeared first on The Commune.

]]>

In a heart-wrenching incident that has triggered grief and outrage, a four-year-old boy was mauled to death by a pack of stray dogs in Swarna Bharathi Nagar, Guntur.

The child, identified as Isaac, was reportedly playing near his home when a group of stray dogs attacked him, biting him severely on the neck. Locals rushed to rescue the unconscious boy and immediately shifted him to a government hospital for treatment.

Tragically, despite the efforts of bystanders, Isaac succumbed to his injuries before receiving medical attention. Heartbroken family members and relatives were seen weeping inconsolably outside the hospital, leaving onlookers shocked by the horrific turn of events.

The incident has sparked public anger, with residents questioning the authorities’ failure to control the growing menace of stray dogs in urban areas.

Calls for stricter animal control measures and immediate government intervention are growing as the community mourns the untimely death of the young child.

In 2024, India reported nearly 27 lakh animal bite cases, including over 22 lakh dog bites and 5 lakh from other animals like monkeys, resulting in 48 deaths. Around 20% of the victims were children under 15. The data, shared by the Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, highlights a major hurdle in achieving a rabies-free India by 2030. While animal control falls under state jurisdiction, central ministries are collaborating to address the issue. Measures include the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, and the National Action Plan for Dog-Mediated Rabies Elimination (NAPRE), with over 1.19 lakh health workers trained since 2019.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post Guntur, AP: Four-Year-Old Boy Mauled To Death By Stray Dogs appeared first on The Commune.

]]>
‘Zero Poverty – P4’ To Be A Game Changer For Society, Says Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu https://thecommunemag.com/zero-poverty-p4-to-be-a-game-changer-for-society-says-andhra-cm-chandrababu-naidu/ Mon, 31 Mar 2025 04:33:14 +0000 https://thecommunemag.com/?p=111389 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launched the ‘Zero Poverty-P4’ initiative and expressed confidence that this programme will be a game changer in society. Launching the programme in Amaravati along with the Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on the occasion of Telugu New Year Ugadi, he stated that P4 is an extraordinary scheme that […]

The post ‘Zero Poverty – P4’ To Be A Game Changer For Society, Says Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu appeared first on The Commune.

]]>

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launched the ‘Zero Poverty-P4’ initiative and expressed confidence that this programme will be a game changer in society.

Launching the programme in Amaravati along with the Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on the occasion of Telugu New Year Ugadi, he stated that P4 is an extraordinary scheme that will create history. Addressing a public meeting, the Chief Minister said that any programme that is taken up on Ugadi day will certainly become a resounding success.

He made it clear that P4 is being launched only with the sole objective of alleviating poverty. Last week, he said that P4 is aimed at enabling the wealthy to support the underprivileged sections of society.

The platform is open to everyone who comes forward voluntarily to offer support to the poor. The government will bring both donors and beneficiaries onto a common platform. In the first phase, 20 lakh families will benefit under the scheme. He mentioned that the per capita income during the previous fiscal was Rs 2,66,995, while this year it is Rs 2,98,065.

He was confident that this would go up to Rs 5,42,985 by 2028-29 and reach Rs 55 lakh by 2047. Chandrababu said that he would be completing 50 years in public life in another three years.

“For the first time, I became MLA in 1978, and in another three years, I will be completing 50 years as MLA. My entire life is dedicated to you, who have been supporting me for the past five decades. I have become MLA for nine times, of which four times as Chief Minister. For 15 years, I was the Leader of the Opposition and 30 years as party president. No one else in the country has got the respect which I received,” he said.

He recalled that TDP founder N.T. Rama Rao was a person with discipline and perseverance, and he never relaxed till he reached his target. He stated that he was raised under such a strict, disciplined personality.

“For the past 47 years, I have been into public life, and I always thought about the progress of the State. I wished that the lifestyle of the people should be transformed,” he added. Observing that he always believed in good governance and clean politics, the Chief Minister said that he had introduced several programmes only with a view to bringing in changes in the people’s lives.

“I have introduced Prajala Vaddaku Palana, Janma Bhoomi and the IT revolution. I do not know anything else except work, and I do not have any kind of habits. After waking up every day, I always think about what kind of programmes will bring total transformation in the lives of the people,” he said.

Making it clear that he had never committed any kind of mistake and will never do it, the Chief Minister said he too has a family and that the Heritage was founded and handed over to the family members so that they will not earn any livelihood through politics. “They do not depend on me, and in fact, I depend on them. If the family is financially independent, we will be brave. My wife does not know politics, and I will not enter into any kind of business,” Chandrababu said.

–IANS

Subscribe to our channels on TelegramWhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.

The post ‘Zero Poverty – P4’ To Be A Game Changer For Society, Says Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu appeared first on The Commune.

]]>