YSRCP leader G. Amarnath alleged Wednesday that the NDA coalition government is privatizing government medical colleges through a “massive scam.” He claimed the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model is a guise for this action. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu immediately rejected the privatization charge, stating the colleges will remain government institutions despite PPP development.
Speaking at a press conference in Tadepalli, Amarnath accused the Naidu-led government of “plundering public assets.” He stated that valuable government medical colleges, associated hospitals, and hundreds of acres of prime public land are being recklessly handed over to private players and benamis, or proxy owners.
Allegations of Medical College Privatization
Amarnath specifically claimed the current NDA coalition government plans to privatize 10 medical colleges. He warned this decision directly jeopardizes access to public healthcare services for citizens. The YSRCP leader asserted that assets valued at thousands of crores of rupees are being effectively gifted away.
He contrasted this with the previous YSRCP government’s tenure. Between 2019 and 2024, the YSRCP secured permissions for 17 new medical colleges from the Central government. Seven of these institutions were completed, and academic sessions commenced in five colleges across the state, expanding public medical education and healthcare infrastructure.
Financial Burden and Alleged Kickbacks
The YSRCP leader outlined further financial concerns. He alleged an “additional scam” involving staff salaries for these privatized colleges. Amarnath claimed the government intends to pay staff salaries for two years, imposing an unnecessary burden of nearly Rs. 1,400 crore on the public exchequer, which is taxpayer money.
He added that the TDP-led NDA government is reportedly paying Rs. 70 crore annually per college despite their privatization. Amarnath also accused Chief Minister Naidu of deliberately distorting parliamentary reports. He claimed these actions aim to conceal kickbacks linked to the privatization process.
Furthermore, Amarnath stated the state incurred over Rs. 2.5 lakh crore in debt within 18 months. He linked this general financial mismanagement to the broader alleged misuse of public funds.
Widespread Public Opposition
The YSRCP highlighted its “one-crore signature campaign” to demonstrate public disapproval. Amarnath reported that over 1.3 crore people signed against the privatization of medical colleges. He said this overwhelming number reflected strong public opposition to the government’s decision.
Future Actions and Demands
Amarnath vowed that a comprehensive probe would be initiated if the YSRCP returns to power. He emphasized that the party would pursue justice regarding these allegations. He also stated that agitation against the PPP model for developing medical colleges would continue until the government withdraws its current decision.
Chief Minister Naidu’s Defense
Earlier Wednesday, Chief Minister Naidu defended the decision to develop medical colleges under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. He argued that the PPP model would ensure more efficient services and better management. Naidu clarified, “Though they are being built through PPP, they will operate as government colleges.” He specifically rejected any charge of privatizing government medical education.