Andhra Pradesh tops list of fake job recruitment agents in India 

Andhra Pradesh has the highest number of fake job recruitment agents in the country, according to data presented by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in the Lok Sabha on Friday. As of June 2024, the State accounted for 498 out of the 3,042 fake job agents identified across India.

The alarming statistics were disclosed during a Parliamentary session in response to questions raised by Members of Parliament (MPs) from various States, including Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MPs GM Harish Balayogi and Byreddy Shabari. The MPs sought clarity on the measures being taken by the government to combat the growing menace of fake recruitment agents and the support provided to individuals who fall victim to trafficking.

Responding to these concerns, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh informed the House that all complaints regarding fake recruitment agents are promptly referred to the respective State police for thorough investigation and prosecution. The minister highlighted that the MEA has issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for State governments to follow when handling such complaints. These procedures are designed to ensure a coordinated and effective response to the issue.