Telugu officer to be honoured at Oxford University’s World Leaders Summit

Managing director of Andhra Pradesh Society for Social Audit Accountability and Transparency (APSSAAT) Srikant Gonnabathula will be conferred the Public Transparency and Governance Leadership Award at World Leaders Summit scheduled to be held at Oxford University, London, on August 31.

The summit, known for honouring “game changers” in governance and society, evaluates awardees on parameters such as system leadership, innovative reforms, use of technology, transparency and social impact.

The honour is being bestowed on Mr. Srikant in recognition of years of his quiet but impactful work through APSAAAT. He has contributed his mite to strengthening social audit mechanisms, ensuring that government funds, especially those under employment guarantee schemes, are used for the intended purpose.

Every year, the Union government spends thousands of crores of rupees on livelihood and employment guarantee schemes. Without stringent checks, these funds are prone to leakages and misuse. APSSAAT, under Mr. Srikant’s stewardship, has acted as a vigilant watchdog, preventing large-scale misappropriation and ensuring transparency at the grassroots.