Election expenses highest in AP: KJ Rao

Root out political corruption, says former advisor to EC Visakhapatnam: "Andhra Pradesh registers huge electioneering expenditure compared to other States, besides Karnataka, which is quickly catching up with AP," said former advisor to Election Commission (EC) KJ Rao. "There is a political leader behind every multi-crore scam, which should be controlled, especially by youth through the power of ballot," he said. Mr Rao was delivering the keynote address at a national seminar on 'Empowering youth with values and ethics � Role of higher education institutions' organised by Andhra University here on Wednesday. He said moral values play an important role in day-to-day life and youth is the real asset of the country. "With erosion of ethics and increase in corruption at levels by some political leaders, societal values have eroded," he said. If corruption was curbed at the higher level, it would automatically be controlled at the lower level, he said. "Higher education institutions have to play a pivotal role in this regard," he added. He called upon the higher educational institutions to lay the foundation to curb the menace. Stating that a majority of political parties were starting TV channels, he questioned the need for a TV channel and from where the money was mobilised. "It indicates that such parties are giving priority to publicity rather than public work. Though the Election Commission has been recommending electoral reforms since 1980, the successive governments did not heed its advice," he pointed out. Mr Rao, who is an alumnus of Mrs AVN College, underscored the need for imposing prohibition in the State and called upon women to come forward for its implementation. He urged the parents to keep a check on the movements of their children so that they do not fall prey to social evils. He asked the youth to exercise their franchise as it was a right provided by the Constitution. Andhra University Vice-Chancellor Prof. GSN Raju said they have already incorporated 'Human Values and Ethics' in the Post-Graduate curriculum to mould children as good citizens. Rector Prof. S Ganapathi said those who maintain ethics will be physically and mentally fit to carry on regular work to the optimum level. Commissioner of Police B Sivadhar Reddy addressed the students on moral values. Later, the Vice-Chancellor felicitated Mr Sivadhar Reddy. Registrar Prof. K Ramamohana Rao, principals of constituent colleges, deans, NSS coordinator NAD Paul, chief wardens, faculty members and a large number of students attended.